how can you tell when turtles are mating?

Answer 1

Sea turtles:
http://www.cccturtle.org/wwwboard/messages/3/62.html#POST640

red earred turtle:
http://www.ammas.com/topics/Animals_and_Pets/a100976.html

Answer 2

The courtship or mating 'dance' usually involves some form of face-to-face, almost nose-to-nose activity, often with the male stroking the female- but it depends on the species for the various details.

Actual mating is always done with the male on top, connected near the tail, with the male's tail reaching around and under the back edge of the female's shell. Whether this is on land or in the water depends on the species. There is always motion involved, but there are often long rests between bouts of activity.

It can take a while, but as a rule of thumb, the smaller the species the shorter the duration.

Turtles mock-mate when young, and the first mating or two of sexually mature turtles may not result in eggs, or the eggs may be infertile.

You can learn more at sites like those listed:

Answer 3

a rarity to see in the wild but i was privy ( at least to the build up ) of observing turtles doing a ritual which combined a romantic and apparent sensuous circling movement where you could have been forgiven for thinking that the turtles were having a waltz , and indeed it was very unique . how it finished up , i don't know , i suppose they retired to the privacy of their sea - bed home but one thing 's for sure it was on a full moonlit night and the water was so still . and for those wondering where this event took place --- it was on green island 27 kl ms from cairns in the great barrier reef

Answer 4

The male is on top of the female like most 4 legged mammals do.

Answer 5

when a shell is on top of another shell!

Answer 6

when they both look at you and smile :)

no seriously i dunno