Most species reproduce sexually, but some populations are dominated by hermaphroditeswhich produce internally fertilised eggs. Reproduction in T. cancriformis varies with latitude, with sexual reproduction dominating in the south of its range, and parthenogenesisdominating in the north.^[6]

Triops eggs enter a state of extended diapausewhen dry, and will tolerate temperatures of up to 98 °C (208 °F) for 16 hours, whereas the adult cannot survive temperatures above 34 °C (93 °F) for 24 hours or 40 °C (104 °F) for 2 hours.^[7] The diapause also prevents the eggs from hatching too soon after rain; the pool must fill with enough water for the dormancy to be broken.