Turtles mate with the male mounted on top of the female. The male turtle wraps his tail around the female’s in order to inseminate her. The penis is not exposed and is kept internal at other times. The mating position in marine turtles can last up to 8 hours!! This is probably the reason why some indigenous people prize the turtle penis as an aphrodisiac. In marine turtles, males are polygamous and will mate with multiple partners during the reproductive season. The female similarly can be inseminated by several males, confirmed by multiple paternity of hatchlings from within a single clutch of eggs.
Do butterflies drink the tears of turtles?
Lachryphagy is a fascinating evolutionary adaptation by insects to get the nutrients they require. It is remarkable to see how unlikely organisms can be interlinked, such as turtles and butterflies, and serves as a reminder that all organisms should be protected, as there are bound to be others that rely upon them to thrive.