Some shoreline with lightly sloped terrain, exposure to full sunlight, few roots and few rocks. Hydrology Large lakes and streams. Critical Periods Egg laying mid-May to late July. Basking April to July, August to September. In some populations grackles remove leeches from adult turtles.
Most predation occurs soon after eggs are laid.
Eastern spiny softshell uses similar habitat. Map Turtles need unpolluted water and sediment due to their preference for molluscs. References Bonin, J., S. Poulin, J. R. Bider. 1991. Etude et Protection de l'Habitat de la Tortue Geographique du Lac des DeuxMontagnes. Rapport de la Societe d'Histoire Naturelle de la Vallee du SaintLaurent .