Unlike the other members of the genus Terrapene, this turtle spends roughly 90% of its time in water.

Researchers have therefore suggested that it developed from a nonaquatic species in order to survive in the desert springs of Cuatro Ciénegas.

During the rainy season, Coahuilan box turtles may leave their home range and travel throughout the desert.

[4] The body of T. coahuila is adapted for spending long periods of time in the water, and the shell is often covered in algae.

It will for instance eat fly larvae, dragonfly nymphs, beetles, true bugs, spiders,[6] reptiles, fish, crayfish, mushrooms,[6] and plant matter (such as Chara[6] and Eleocharis spp.)