This was found next to Claypit Pond in Belmont, MA during the late evening in August. In all my years I have never heard of this species being in the local waters. That is not surprising as it is a small, seldom seen species that rarely leaves the water except to lay eggs, or when it is suffering from external parasites.

This specimen was full grown at 4", it is one of the worlds smallest turtle species. Unfortunately I did not have the time to properly prepare for photographing this animal, and very few pictures came out.

It is easily identified though from 1) the high smooth dome shape of its carapace, 2) face stripes (not very visible) and, more importantly in this case, 3) from what it is not. The turtle species that are commonly attributed to the waters in this area are snapping turtles and painted turtles (and the occasionally released red ear slider), and this is quite clearly none of those species. The animal was returned to Claypit Pond within 30 minutes of its capture.