HELLBENDER
The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is a giant salamander with a large, flat head and wrinkly body. It has short, stubby legs and can be distinguished by having four toes on the front feet and five toes on the back feet. The name “hellbender” is just one of many common names and is thought to be named by settlers who identified it as a creature from hell. The scientific name refers to the presence of hidden (kryptos) gills (branchion) which can occur as circular openings on the neck (when they do occur). In adults, skin folds (wrinkles) on the sides of the salamander’s body allow oxygen from the water to be absorbed. They also have working lungs but these are manly used to control their buoyancy (like internal floaties!). When oxygen levels are low, hellbenders will rock side-to-side to increase oxygen flow over their skin folds (dancing anyone?).
Hellbenders are mostly nocturnal. They hide beneath rocks with only their head sticking out to snatch prey as it passes too close. They eat mostly crayfish but will also cannibalize their own species. This, and their less-than-cuddly appearance probably didn’t endear them to early settlers.
Hellbender breeding reaches its peak in mid-October. Male hellbenders will excavate nests beneath large, flat rocks. Once this is prepared, they stick their heads out and look for ladies. Females can enter nests voluntarily or males sometimes force them into the nest. When the female begins to release her eggs, the male will lay next to her and release his sperm. Sorry folks, no copulation. Males will defend the eggs, but are also known to eat them (cannibal!).
Hellbenders used to occur in many eastern states, but have become lost or endangered throughout their range including here in the Ozarks. They are, regrettably, a federally endangered species. So, what happened? First, hellbenders are habitat specialists. They require fast flowing streams with plenty of dissolved oxygen and a consistent temperature. That pretty much limits them to clean, spring-fed streams. They also are associated with large, irregularly-shaped rocks which they will crawl under and spend most of their time. Changes in habitat quality due to human activities is thought to be a key reason for their decline. In addition, they have low recruitment. That is a fancy ecology way of saying, they aren’t making enough babies. Since it is their peak breeding period here in the Ozarks, I suggest we go visit our favorite, clear, spring-fed stream with oddly-shaped rocks and play some soft Barry White tunes to put them in the mood. I really don’t think this will help, but I think we should do something to help the hellbender!
