Breeding season is usually July to September in the wild, but in captivity, they breed all year. Males use head movements (a series of jerks away from and back to mid position - first to one side then the other) to distinguish themselves from other males. They will sniff the female's cloaca to determine if it is the same species. Ramming and pushing may be used to subdue the female. Females will dig a flask-like cavity approximately 8 inches deep to deposit the eggs, which are elongated with brittle shells.