Unhappy aspect of a box turtle's love life
 

I remember reading year ago a scientific encyclopedia about turtles, and read the section on box turtles, the species typically seen in pet stores, and the type our Turtles presumably have evolved from. A section about their sex life I thought you'd like to know about:

In order to mate, the male turtle has to climb onto the back of the female. But there are instances where the males die as a result of falling of the female, landing on their backs, and aren't able to get up again. Perhaps the primary reason Eastman and Laird decided there would be no female Turtles in their stories! :lol:

where the hec didja read this?
Turtles and tortoises have the ability to flip over by using their head for leverage. And if they can get a grip, they'll push with their hands if there is something to hold onto. but there is always the chance they can't flip.
as far as mating goes......
actually....box turtles specifically, the males mount from the back end, they clamp their feet to the lower edge of the female's carapace then after intromission they lean back and finish the deed. It's normal. They look incredibly hilarious like that but that's how they mate.

hmm, that is interesting. I think you also mentioned that they keep their genitals in their tails.