Higher classification Sternotherus Order Turtle | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Sternotherus Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
![]() | ||
Similar Sternotherus, Turtle, Razor‑backed musk turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, Reptile |
The loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor ) is a species of turtle native to the United States.
Contents
- Loggerhead musk turtles sternotherus minor
- Geographic distribution
- Description
- Habitat
- Subspecies
- References
Loggerhead musk turtles sternotherus minor
Geographic distribution
The loggerhead musk turtle can be found in the states of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
Description

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 cm (3–5 inches) in carapace length. Barbels are present on the chin only, not on the throat.
Habitat
Sternotherus minor lives in clean freshwater habitats.
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Sternotherus minor minor (Agassiz, 1857)
Sternotherus minor peltifer H.M. Smith & Glass, 1947

References
Loggerhead musk turtle Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA