Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

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.