Do terrapin/tortoise eggs need to be fertilised to hatch?

Question

If they are not fertilised, can the female terrapin/tortoise (i can't tell the difference) still lay the eggs? Do the eggs have to be fertilised first before they hatch? Or can they just hatch without fertilisation (like Komodo Dragons) as long as they are buried in a good place?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Just about any reptile can lay unfertilized eggs, even if they've never been with a male. BUT, turtle (terrapin) eggs MUST be fertilized to hatch. Some females never lay eggs, some lay one or two "clutches" (batches of eggs) every year without fail. Maturity in turtles usually relies on size rather than age, though, so if your turtle is still too small, she won't lay eggs.

Answer 2

They have to be fertilized. Parthenogenesis is rare even in lizards, and I know of no terrapin species that can reproduce without mating. Also, terrapin is the catch all term for both tortoises and turtles (chelonian is more correct, however). The feamle may lay a few eggs without mating, although it's unlikely, but unless if she's been with a male, they will not hatch.

Answer 3

Terrapin Eggs

Answer 4

1. They can lay unfertilized eggs, which will not hatch.

2. They can store sperm in their body and lay eggs well after mating that will be fertile and hatch.

3. Dragons USUALLY use regular fertilization, only rarely do they do parthogenesis.

Answer 5

All Species do , in order to hatch they always must be fertilized