Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I noticed my male russian courting my female for the first time since last spring yesterday evening. Today my daughter observed him mounted on the female and vocalizing. Assuming the female is receptive, how long does it take from copulation to egg laying in general?? Is this the right time of the year for russians in the US to breed. We have been getting light to moderate showers almost daily here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I think that is sparking the interest. Temps have been above 80 for about a month during the hottest point in the day. I am hoping to get a clutch from the female and hope to get a better idea of when she may lay after being bred.

It seems late to me...of course I live in a very Southern and Hot desert environment. Mine start breeding right after (within a day or two) emerging from hibernation, which ends here in mid- late March. I find eggs starting in early May. However, the males act amorous most of the season, but thrill humping (all too common) and intromission(not so common...) are two different things. I have seen some serious mating attempts in the Fall also, but early Spring is the prime time for mine. You should be prepared for eggs at any time, as they often have multiple clutches and mine are skilled at quickly nesting and they are hard to find. They hatch in situ here in this dry environment. Males will climb on for a thrill ride with accompanying vocalization almost anytime, but my females are not often impressed and don't allow intromission often. Good luck, Vic H.