Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: HELLBENDER, OZARK

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: CAUDATA

Family: CRYPTOBRANCHIDAE

Genus: CRYPTOBRANCHUS

Species: ALLEGANIENSIS

SubSpecies: BISHOPI

Taxonomic Authority: GROBMAN

Taxonomy References: 002 , 015 , 017

Status

FEDERAL ENDANGERED
NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1

Status References: 003 , 013 , 014 , 019 , 020

Habitat Summary

"Inhabit riffles in streams with gravel or rubble bottoms. Lay eggs under large flat rocks."

Primary Habitat: "Aquatic - river/stream"

References: 001

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Found in south Missouri in the Black river and the North Fork of the White river *01*."

County Occurance

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

References for distribution: 001 , 011 , 018

Distribution by Watersheds

North Fork White R.
Current R.
Warm Fork Spring R. and South Fork
Eleven Point R.

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

Distribution by Ecoregions

Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark

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

Habitat Types:

Permanent Stream

References for Habitat Types: 004

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

Ephemeroptera (mayflies); Larva stage
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Cypriniformes (minnows, carps, suckers); Not Specified
Perciformes (bass, sunfishes, perches, drums, sculpins); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified
Snails; 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 001 , 006 , 009 , 010

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding larvae niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for resting Larvae niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Underwater cover: large flat rock

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles

References for resting adult niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 010 , 016

Niche Requirement Summary

Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features: pools
Natural features: riffles
Underwater cover: large flat rock
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: permanently flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
007 Breed in fall, late September to November *01*, though breeding season may varies among populations *11*
018 Clutch 250-400 *01*
021 Male guards nest with eggs *11* at 330-380 mm tl (7-8 yrs) *10*
022 Mature at 5-6 yrs, females at 238 mm snout-vent length, males at 247 mm snout-vent length *06*. Smallest mature female in MO study 385 mm total length *11*.
024 Male:female sex ratio 1:1 in North Fork of White R., 1:2.45 in Eleven Point R. *11*
035 Parasites include leeches *06,11*, cestodes, nematodes, trematodes, protozoans, and acanthocephalans *11*. Diseases include fungal infections *11* predators include man, turtles, snakes, pike, muskellunge, catfish, and other hellbenders *11*. Predation probably minimal for individuals greater than 380 mm tl (9-10 yrs) *10*
099 Larvae take over 2 years to transform *01*. Usually solitary, only 1 at a time found under a rock, though a rock may be used by more than 1 individual *08*. Little movement, in one study, 70% moved less than30 m from tagging site, 34% were recaptured at tagging site *08*. Density estimate in MO study 1 per 6-7 sq m to 1 per 13-16 sq m *10*. 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*. Maximum length approximately 407 cm tl, largest specimen taken in MO study assumed to be greater than25 yrs old *10*
041 A MO study found 365 eggs/female (300 mm tl) in the Eleven Point R., also found that fecundity was positively correlated with body length *12*
012 Eggs laid under rocks *01,11*, planks, or submerged logs *11*
030 Some diurnal activity has been observed *11*

Life History Information

Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
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 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)
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)
Territoriality: defends breeding and nesting territory

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
007 Breed in fall, late September to November *01*, though breeding season may varies among populations *11*
018 Clutch 250-400 *01*
021 Male guards nest with eggs *11* at 330-380 mm tl (7-8 yrs) *10*
022 Mature at 5-6 yrs, females at 238 mm snout-vent length, males at 247 mm snout-vent length *06*. Smallest mature female in MO study 385 mm total length *11*.
024 Male:female sex ratio 1:1 in North Fork of White R., 1:2.45 in Eleven Point R. *11*
035 Parasites include leeches *06,11*, cestodes, nematodes, trematodes, protozoans, and acanthocephalans *11*. Diseases include fungal infections *11* predators include man, turtles, snakes, pike, muskellunge, catfish, and other hellbenders *11*. Predation probably minimal for individuals greater than 380 mm tl (9-10 yrs) *10*
099 Larvae take over 2 years to transform *01*. Usually solitary, only 1 at a time found under a rock, though a rock may be used by more than 1 individual *08*. Little movement, in one study, 70% moved less than30 m from tagging site, 34% were recaptured at tagging site *08*. Density estimate in MO study 1 per 6-7 sq m to 1 per 13-16 sq m *10*. 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*. Maximum length approximately 407 cm tl, largest specimen taken in MO study assumed to be greater than25 yrs old *10*
041 A MO study found 365 eggs/female (300 mm tl) in the Eleven Point R., also found that fecundity was positively correlated with body length *12*
012 Eggs laid under rocks *01,11*, planks, or submerged logs *11*
030 Some diurnal activity has been observed *11*

References for life history: 001 , 006 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 012

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - stabilize streambanks
Water - restrict human disturbance

Beneficial Management References: 009 , 010

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: 009 , 010

Comments on Management:
Gravel dredging is adverse *09,17*

References for Management Comments: 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 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
004 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
005 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
006 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.
007 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.
008 Nickerson, M.A. and C.E. Mays. 1973. A Study Of The Ozark Hellbender Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi. Ecology 54:1164-1165.
009 Unpb Johnson, T.R. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City Mo 65102. (573-751-4115)
010 Peterson, C.L., R.F. Wilkinson, Jr., M.S. Topping and D.E. Metter. 1983. Age And Growth Of The Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi). Copeia 1983:225-231.
011 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
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 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2007. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. MO Dept. of Conservation. Jefferson City, MO. 51 pp.
015 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.
016 Fobes, T.M. and R.F. Wilkinson, Jr. 1994. Preliminary Results Of A Critical Habitat Analysis Of The Ozark Hellbender. Missouri Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 7:2.
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 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2011. Missouri species and communities of conservation concern checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. pp. 55.
020 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2012. Missouri species and communities of conservation concern checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, MO. pp.51.