Eggs are laid in July and August; the species very rarely nests in the winter, as the temperature is too low for the eggs.[2][19] Clutch size is 22 on average, but can range from 14 to 40.[9] Larger females have been known to lay larger eggs compared to smaller females.[20] Females stay close to their nests during the incubation period, as several species, such as lizards in the genus Tupinambis, have been known to destroy nests and prey on the eggs.[9] Flooding and human egg collecting can also be a threat to the nests.[11]