The introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem functionality, and native species, particularly in protected areas. The red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) ranks among the 100 most harmful IAS globally due to its ability to adapt and widespread distribution. This study investigates the nesting ecology of T. scripta in Angitola Lake, a Ramsar site and WWF Oasis in Calabria (Southern Italy), to better understand its reproductive strategies and guide effective management actions. We examined 309 natural predated nests across diverse habitats, analyzing the role of microhabitat features such as vegetative cover, soil type, and distance from the shoreline in nest site selection. Our findings show a clear selection for mixed habitats with soil combinations like dirt/sand and dirt/clay, which offer optimal conditions for oviposition. Nesting activity was concentrated primarily within 30 meters of the shoreline, with habitat and soil selection shifting throughout the nesting season in response to environmental factors, such as water availability. However, the results of the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) indicate that while distance from the shoreline was significantly influenced by vegetation type (with greater distance in reforested sites), soil type and the continuous variables analyzed (depth, nest diameter, number of eggs) did not show significant effects on nesting distance. The ecological plasticity demonstrated by T. scripta, allowing it to exploit a wide array of nesting microhabitats, presents a significant threat to native turtle species like Emys orbicularis and overall local biodiversity. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the reproductive ecology of this invasive species, highlighting the necessity for integrated management strategies to address its ecological impacts within aquatic ecosystems.