Spotting

Pectoral scute shape is what I was referring to. Check out this link (from Florida) and scroll to the bottom of the page. It shows the differences between the genera Sternotherus and Kinosternon, both of which occur in Virginia.

I did turn her over and see that she was female as I moved her off the path. I didn't notice any distinctive or colorful markings.

Hopefully someone will see something I don't and will be able to ID your turtle. With these guys (mud and musk turtles), it's often the plastron (bottom part of shell) that has clues that differentiates them. Just a tip for the future. :-) Keep on spotting!

Sorry, I just took the one.

Hi there. Do you happen to have any other photos of this turtle?