[[File:Sternothernus minor.jpg|thumb|Closeup of head of an adult ''Sternotherus minor'']]
The loggerhead musk turtle gets its common name from its unusually large head, compared to the common musk turtle (''[[Sternotherus odoratus]]''). Adults can be 8–13 {{convert|8|–|13|cm (3–5 inches)|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} in straight [[carapace]] length. It is very similar to the [[Razor-backed musk turtle|razorback musk turtle]] (''Sternotherus carinatus'') which is slightly larger. Adult loggerhead musk turtles have a flatter-shaped carapace, whereas adult razorback musk turtles have a higher and more dome-shaped carapace. ''S. minor'' has barbels present on the chin only, not on the throat.<ref>Conant R (1975). ''A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition''. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 429 pp. + Plates 1-48. {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}}. (''Sternotherus minor'', p. 42 + Plates 4,5 + Map 8).</ref>
