Hellbender
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Largest salamander species found in the United States. Coloring varies from brown to red dorsal side with a lighter underbelly. Covered in thick slime that protects anima…
How to identify
Largest salamander species found in the United States. Coloring varies from brown to red dorsal side with a lighter underbelly. Covered in thick slime that protects animal from parasites and infections. Skin is wrinkled, legs stubby. Flat and elongated body up to 29 inches long, however average length is 12-15 inches long. Four toes on front limbs, five toes on hind limbs.
Range
Current range includes large portion of Eastern and Midwestern states of the United States. Range as far north as New York and as far south as Georgia, western range ends in Oklahoma & Kansas, eastern range ends at the Atlantic shores of Maryland.
Habitat
Aquatic. Fast water, shallow, rocky streams. Avoid slow moving water and muddy shorelines. Primarily nocturnal.
Variations
Coloration varies from mottled shades of brown to reddish-brown.
Name and etymology
Genus
Cryptobranchus
Greek for hidden (kryptos) gill (branchion), referencing no large external gills.
Origin
Sources
- Leuckart, 1821. Encyklopadische Zeitung von Oken, Vol. 1, No. 6, p. 260, also an abstract
Cryptobranchus. Leuckart, 1821 - Encyklopadische Zeitung von Oken, Vol. 1, No. 6, p. 260, also an abstract
Species epithet
alleganiensis
Belonging to the Allegheny Mountains.
Origin
Sources
- (Daudin, 1803). Hist. Nat. Gen. Part. Rept., Vol. 8, p. 231
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. (Daudin, 1803) - Hist. Nat. Gen. Part. Rept., Vol. 8, p. 231
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Size
295 to 686 mm
Range
Current range includes large portion of Eastern and Midwestern states of the United States. Range as far north as New York an…
Habitat
Aquatic. Fast water, shallow, rocky streams. Avoid slow moving water and muddy shorelines. Primarily nocturnal.
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap