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• Taxonomy
• Status
• Distribution
• Habitat Associations
• Food Habits
• Niche Requirements
• Life History Information
• Management
• References

Taxonomy

Common Name: HELLBENDER, EASTERN

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: CAUDATA

Family: CRYPTOBRANCHIDAE

Genus: CRYPTOBRANCHUS

Species: ALLEGANIENSIS

SubSpecies: ALLEGANIENSIS

Taxonomic Authority: (DAUDIN)

Taxonomy References: 014 , 017 , 002

Status

FEDERAL ENDANGERED
NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G3G4T3T4

Status References: 013 , 015 , 016 , 005 , 023

Habitat Summary

"Inhabit riffles in streams with gravel or rubble bottoms. Usually in water less than 1.3 m deep. Lay eggs under large flat rocks."

Primary Habitat: "Aquatic - river/stream"

References: 001 , 003 , 004

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs in the Ozark plateau in rivers draining into the Missouri and Mississippi rivers *01*."

County Occurance

County Occurence

Known	Likely	Unknown	Not Likely	Historic	Extirpated
CAMDEN	BARRY	VERNON	ADAIR
CRAWFORD	BARTON		ANDREW
DALLAS	BATES		ATCHISON
DENT	BENTON		AUDRAIN
FRANKLIN	CEDAR		BOLLINGER
JEFFERSON	CHRISTIAN		BOONE
LACLEDE	COLE		BUCHANAN
OSAGE	DADE		BUTLER
PHELPS	GASCONADE		CALDWELL
PULASKI	GREENE		CALLAWAY
ST. LOUIS	HICKORY		CAPE GIRARDEAU
TEXAS	JASPER		CARROLL
	LAWRENCE		CARTER
	MARIES		CASS
	MCDONALD		CHARITON
	MILLER		CLARK
	MORGAN		CLAY
	NEWTON		CLINTON
	POLK		COOPER
	ST. CLAIR		DAVIESS
	WASHINGTON		DEKALB
	WEBSTER		DOUGLAS
	WRIGHT		DUNKLIN
			GENTRY
			GRUNDY
			HARRISON
			HENRY
			HOLT
			HOWARD
			HOWELL
			IRON
			JACKSON
			JOHNSON
			KNOX
			LAFAYETTE
			LEWIS
			LINCOLN
			LINN
			LIVINGSTON
			MACON
			MADISON
			MARION
			MERCER
			MISSISSIPPI
			MONITEAU
			MONROE
			MONTGOMERY
			NEW MADRID
			NODAWAY
			OREGON
			OZARK
			PEMISCOT
			PERRY
			PETTIS
			PIKE
			PLATTE
			PUTNAM
			RALLS
			RANDOLPH
			RAY
			REYNOLDS
			RIPLEY
			SALINE
			SCHUYLER
			SCOTLAND
			SCOTT
			SHANNON
			SHELBY
			ST. CHARLES
			ST. FRANCOIS
			STE. GENEVIEVE
			STODDARD
			STONE
			SULLIVAN
			TANEY
			WARREN
			WAYNE
			WORTH

References for distribution: 018 , 001 , 009

Distribution by Watersheds

Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Big R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Current R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in listed units, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"Riverine, unknown perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, cobble/gravel"

References for Aquatic Associations: 001 , 003 , 004

Habitat Types:

Permanent Stream

References for Habitat Types: 005

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
"Probably eat aquatic insects and small crayfish *09*."

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
"Probably eat aquatic insects and small crayfish *09*."

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Egg stage
Caudata (salamanders, newts, mudpuppies, sirens); Egg stage
Other food habits; See Comments
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Larva stage
Insects Insects; Larva stage
Caudata (salamanders, newts, mudpuppies, sirens); Juvenile stage
Agnathans (jawless fishes); Not Specified
Petromyzontiformes (lampreys); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Cypriniformes (minnows, carps, suckers); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 011 , 001 , 003 , 020

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding larvae niche requirements: 011 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for resting Larvae niche requirements: 011 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 011 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Underwater cover: large flat rock
Underwater cover specified in comments(00105)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 011 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 011 , 016 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 011 , 016 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles

References for resting adult niche requirements: 011 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008

Niche Requirement Summary

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: riffles
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Underwater cover specified in comments(00105)
Underwater cover: large flat rock
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: permanently flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code	Comment
024	Male:female sex ratio 1.58:1 *04*, 1.3:1 in niangua river *11*, 1:1.3 in Big Piney *019*.
028	Home range in PA average 346.4 sq. M *04*
030	Some diurnal activity has been observed *11*. In WV, nocturnal activity was highest in early summer *16*.
035	Predators include man, snakes, turtles, other hellbenders, catfish, pike, and muskellenge *11*. Parasites include protozoans, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, and leeches *11*. Diseases include fungal infections *11*.
099	Larvae take over 2 years to transform *01* adults may eat eggs after they are laid *03*. Normally solitary, only one at a time found under a rock *01*. Appear to live more than 30 years, females live longer than males *08*. Seem to have some homing ability *04*. In MO study of both subspecies, densities ranged from .9-6.1 per 100 sq. M *12*
038	In MO study, growth decreased linearly as a function of total length *12*. Lifespan of 20-30 years *019*.
041	In a MO study, fecundity was positively correlated with body length. In Gasconade R. Average 450 eggs/female, and in Big Piney R., average 429 eggs/female (370 mm tl) *12*
004	Also wait and pounce on prey *09*
017	Incubation 6-8 weeks *01,03*
007	Breed late September-November *01*, breeding season appears to vary among populations *11* in PA, breed late summer and fall *04*, August-September *03*
012	Nest under large flat rocks, planks, or submerged logs *11*
018	Clutch 250-400 *01*
021	Males defend eggs *03,04,11*
022	Females mature at 247 mm snout-vent, males 244 mm snout-vent length, generally when 5-6 years of age *10* in PA, mature when 34 cm total length *03*. In a MO study, males mature when 300 mm total length (5 years), females when 380 mm total length (7-8 years) *08*
037	In WV, average movement was 35.8 meters *022*.

Life History Information

Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Dispersal specified in comments(037)
Age and growth information specified in comments(038)
Fecundity specified in comments(041)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: water
Foraging sites: feed on bottom of stream, lake or pond
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Spawning site: rocks
Spawning site specified in comments(012)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Parental care of young specified in comments(021)
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio specified in comments(024)

Comments about Life History:

Code	Comment
024	Male:female sex ratio 1.58:1 *04*, 1.3:1 in niangua river *11*, 1:1.3 in Big Piney *019*.
028	Home range in PA average 346.4 sq. M *04*
030	Some diurnal activity has been observed *11*. In WV, nocturnal activity was highest in early summer *16*.
035	Predators include man, snakes, turtles, other hellbenders, catfish, pike, and muskellenge *11*. Parasites include protozoans, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, and leeches *11*. Diseases include fungal infections *11*.
099	Larvae take over 2 years to transform *01* adults may eat eggs after they are laid *03*. Normally solitary, only one at a time found under a rock *01*. Appear to live more than 30 years, females live longer than males *08*. Seem to have some homing ability *04*. In MO study of both subspecies, densities ranged from .9-6.1 per 100 sq. M *12*
038	In MO study, growth decreased linearly as a function of total length *12*. Lifespan of 20-30 years *019*.
041	In a MO study, fecundity was positively correlated with body length. In Gasconade R. Average 450 eggs/female, and in Big Piney R., average 429 eggs/female (370 mm tl) *12*
004	Also wait and pounce on prey *09*
017	Incubation 6-8 weeks *01,03*
007	Breed late September-November *01*, breeding season appears to vary among populations *11* in PA, breed late summer and fall *04*, August-September *03*
012	Nest under large flat rocks, planks, or submerged logs *11*
018	Clutch 250-400 *01*
021	Males defend eggs *03,04,11*
022	Females mature at 247 mm snout-vent, males 244 mm snout-vent length, generally when 5-6 years of age *10* in PA, mature when 34 cm total length *03*. In a MO study, males mature when 300 mm total length (5 years), females when 380 mm total length (7-8 years) *08*
037	In WV, average movement was 35.8 meters *022*.

References for life history: 010 , 011 , 012 , 016 , 019 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 008 , 009 , 021 , 022

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - restrict human disturbance

Beneficial Management References: 011 , 009

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - gravel dredging in streams

Adverse Management References: 011 , 009

Comments on Management:
Gravel dredging is adverse *09*. Between 1980-2000 hellbender populations have declined 77%. Causes of decline include habitat alteration, climate change, decreased pH, toxic substances, endocrine mimics, UV-B radiation, introduction of predators/competitors, disease/parasites, drought and floods. *019*.

References for Management Comments: 019 , 009

References

Reference Code	Citation
001	Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
002	Unpb Johnson, T.R. Checklist Of Missouri Amphibians. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573-751-4115)
003	Smith, B.G. 1907. The Life History And Habits Of Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis. Biol. Bull. 13(1):5-39.
004	Hillis, R.E. and E.D. Bellis. 1971. Some Aspects Of The Ecology Of The Hellbender, Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis On A Pennsylvania Stream. J. Herpetol. 5:121-126.
005	The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
006	Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
007	Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
008	Taber, C.A., R.F. Wilkinson, Jr., and M.S. Topping. 1975. Age And Growth Of Hellbenders In The Niangua River, Missouri. Copeia 1975(4) 633-639.
009	Unpb Johnson, T.R. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City Mo 65102. (573-751-4115)
010	Dundee, H.A. and D.S. Dundee, 1965. Observations On The Systematics And Ecology Of Cryptobranchus From The Ozark Plateaus Of Missouri And Arkansas. Copeia 1965(3):369-370.
011	Nickerson, M.A. and C.E. Mays. 1973. The Hellbenders. Milwaukee Pub. Mus. Publ. Biol. Geol. 1. 106 Pp.
012	Peterson, C.L., D.E. Matter, B.T. Miller, R.F. Wilkinson, and M.S. Topping. 1988. Demography Of The Hellbender Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis In The Ozarks. Amer. Midl. Nat. 119(2):291-
013	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. List Of Missouri Animal Notice Species, February 2, 1989. U.S. Fws, P.O. Box 1506, Columbia, Mo 65205.
014	Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
015	Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
016	Humphries, W.J. and T.K. Pauley. 2000. Seasonal Changes In Nocturnal Activity Of The Hellbender, Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis, In West Virginia. J. Herp. 24(4):604-607.
017	Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
018	Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
019	Wheeler, B.A., E. Prosen, A. Mathis, and R.F. Wilkinson. 2003. Population declines of a long-lived salamander: a 20+ year study of hellbenders, Crypthbrancus alleganiensis. Biol. Consv. 109: 151-156.
020	Nickerson, M.A., K.L. Krysko, and R.D. Owen. 2003. Habitat differences affecting age class distributions of the hellbender salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. Southeastern Naturalist 2(4): 619-629.
021	Humphries, W.J. 2007. Diurnal seasonal activity of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis (hellbender) in North Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 6(1): 135-140.
022	Humphries, W.J. and T.K. Pauley. 2005. Life history of the hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, in a West Virginia stream. American Midland Naturalist 154(1): 135-142.
023	Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2022. Missouri species and communities of conservation concern checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. pp. 57.