What type of creature is a hellbender
"Easily distinguished from most other endemic salamander species simply by their size, hellbenders average up to 60 cm or about 2 ft in length; the only species requiring further distinction (due to an overlap in distribution and size range) is the common mudpuppy (""Necturus maculosus""). This demarcation can be made by noting the presence of external gills in the mudpuppy, which are lacking in the hellbender, as well as the presence of four toes on each hind foot of the mudpuppy (in contrast with the hellbender's five). Furthermore, the average size of ""C. a. alleganiensis"" has been reported to be"
"— both as a predator and prey — in its ecosystem, which either it or its ancestors have occupied for around 65 million years. The species is listed as Near Threatened. The origin of the name ""hellbender"" is unclear. The Missouri Department of Conservation says: The name 'hellbender' probably comes from the animal's odd look. One theory claims the hellbender was named by settlers who thought ""it was a creature from hell where it's bent on returning."" Another rendition says the undulating skin of a hellbender reminded observers of ""horrible tortures of the infernal regions."" In reality, it's a harmless"
"Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and even a small bit of Oklahoma and Kansas. The subspecies (or species, depending on the source) ""C. a. bishopi"" is confined to the Ozarks of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, while ""C. a. alleganiensis"" is found in the rest of these states. Some hellbender populations—namely a few in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee—have historically been noted to be quite abundant, but several man-made maladies have converged on the species such that it has seen a serious population decline throughout its range. Hellbender populations were listed in 1981 as already"
"45–60 cm (with some reported as reaching up to 74 cm or 30 in), while ""N. m. maculosus"" has a reported average size of 28–40 cm in length, which means that hellbender adults will still generally be notably larger than even the biggest mudpuppies. The genus ""Cryptobranchus"" has historically only been considered to contain one species, ""C. alleganiensis"", with two subspecies, ""C. a. alleganiensis"" and ""C. a. bishopi"". A recent decline in population size of the Ozark subspecies ""C. a. bishopi"" has led to further research into populations of this subspecies, including genetic analysis to determine the best method for"
"pass over its skin in a given time, making it difficult to garner enough oxygen to support necessary respiratory functions. A below-favorable oxygen content can make life equally difficult. Hellbenders are preyed upon by diverse predators, including various fish and reptiles (including both snakes and turtles). Cannibalism of eggs is also considered a common occurrence. Once a hellbender finds a favorable location, it generally does not stray too far from it—except occasionally for breeding and hunting—and will protect it from other hellbenders both in and out of the breeding season. While the range of two hellbenders may overlap, they are"
"conservation. Crowhurst et al., for instance, found that the ""Ozark subspecies"" denomination is insufficient for describing genetic (and therefore evolutionary) divergence within the genus ""Cryptobranchus"" in the Ozark region. They found three equally divergent genetic units within the genus: ""C. a. alleganiensis"", and two distinct eastern and western populations of ""C. a. bishopi"". These three groups were shown to be isolated, and are considered to most likely be ""diverging on different evolutionary paths"". Hellbenders are present in a number of Eastern US states, from southern New York to northern Georgia, including parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky,"
"smaller North American hellbender (""Cryptobranchus alleganiensis""). A 2018 study of mitochondrial DNA revealed that there are five wild clades of the Chinese giant salamander, as well as two only known from captives (their possible wild range is unknown). They diverged from each other 4.71–10.25 million years ago and should possibly be recognized as cryptic species. Despite this deep divergence, they can hybridize among each other, and also with the Japanese giant salamander. It has a large head, small eyes, and dark, wrinkly skin. Its flat, broad head has a wide mouth, round, lidless eyes, and a line of pair tubercles"
"season. Both subspecies, ""C. a. alleganiensis"" and ""C. a. bishopi"" undergo a metamorphosis after around a year and a half of life. At this point, when they are roughly 13.5 cm long, they lose the gills present during their larval stage. Until then, they are easily confused with mudpuppies, and can be differentiated often only through toe number. After this metamorphosis, hellbenders must be able to absorb oxygen through the folds in their skin, which is largely behind the need for fast-moving, oxygenated water. If a hellbender ends up in an area of slow-moving water, not enough of it will"
"and intermittent rocks and swiftly moving water, while they tend to avoid wider, slow-moving waters with muddy banks and/or slab rock bottoms. This specialization likely contributed to the decline in their populations, as collectors could easily identify their specific habitats. One collector noted, at one time, ""one could find a specimen under almost every suitable rock"", but after years of collecting, the population had declined significantly. The same collector noted, he ""never found two specimens under the same rock"", corroborating the account given by other researchers that hellbenders are generally solitary; they are thought to gather only during the mating"
"nest and guards the eggs. Incubating males rock back and forth and undulate their lateral skin folds, which circulates the water, increasing oxygen supply to both eggs and adult. Incubation lasts from 45 to 75 days, depending on region. Hatchling hellbenders are 25–33 mm long, have a yolk sac as a source of energy for the first few months of life, and lack functional limbs. Hellbenders are superbly adapted to the shallow, fast-flowing, rocky streams in which they live. Their flattened shape offers little resistance to the flowing water, allowing them to work their way upstream and also to crawl"
"Hell hound (Dungeons & Dragons) In the ""Dungeons & Dragons"" fantasy roleplaying game, the hell hound is a hyena-like creature which can breathe fire and hunts in packs. It is classified as an outsider from the Nine Hells. The hell hound was introduced to the game in its first supplement, ""Greyhawk"" (1975). The hell hound appeared in the ""D&D Basic Set"" (1977), the ""D&D Expert Set"" (1981, 1983). and the ""Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia"" (1991). The hell hound appears in the first edition ""Monster Manual"". The ""Monster Manual"" was reviewed by Don Turnbull in the British magazine ""White Dwarf"""
"Humpback grouper The humpback grouper, panther grouper, or (in Australia) barramundi cod (""Cromileptes altivelis"") is a demersal marine fish which belongs to the family Serranidae, the groupers. Recent molecular analyses based on five genes show that ""Cromileptes altivelis"" is included in the same clade as species of ""Epinephelus"". Consequently, the species should be included in ""Epinephelus"" as Epinephelus altivelis. The humpback grouper is a medium-sized fish which grows up to . Its particular body shape makes this grouper quite impossible to mix up with other fishes. Its body is compressed laterally and is relatively high. This stocky and strange visual"
"Wolverine (character) Wolverine (birth name: James Howlett; colloquial: Logan, Weapon X) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, mostly in association with the X-Men. He is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and three retractable claws in each hand. Wolverine has been depicted variously as a member of the X-Men, Alpha Flight, and the Avengers. The character appeared in the last panel of ""The Incredible Hulk"" #180 before having a larger role in #181 (cover-dated Nov. 1974). He was created by Marvel editor-in-chief"
"with an area-effect attack (their fiery breath)."" Hell hound (Dungeons & Dragons) In the ""Dungeons & Dragons"" fantasy roleplaying game, the hell hound is a hyena-like creature which can breathe fire and hunts in packs. It is classified as an outsider from the Nine Hells. The hell hound was introduced to the game in its first supplement, ""Greyhawk"" (1975). The hell hound appeared in the ""D&D Basic Set"" (1977), the ""D&D Expert Set"" (1981, 1983). and the ""Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia"" (1991). The hell hound appears in the first edition ""Monster Manual"". The ""Monster Manual"" was reviewed by Don"
"Hellhound A hellhound is a supernatural dog in folklore. A wide variety of ominous or hellish supernatural dogs occur in mythologies around the world. Features that have been attributed to hellhounds include mangled black fur, glowing red eyes, super strength and speed, ghostly or phantom characteristics, and a foul odor. Certain European legends state that if someone stares into a hellhound's eyes three times or more, that person will surely die. In cultures that associate the afterlife with fire, hellhounds may have fire-based abilities and appearance. They are often assigned to guard the entrances to the world of the dead,"
"more crayfish predation in the summer during times of higher prey activity, whereas fish made up a larger part of the winter diet, when crayfish are less active. There seems to be a specific temperature range in which hellbenders feed, as well: between 45 and 80 °F. Cannibalism—mainly on eggs—has been known to occur within hellbender populations. One researcher claimed perhaps density is maintained, and density dependence in turn created, in part by intraspecific predation. The hellbenders' breeding season begins in late August or early- to mid-September and can continue as late as the end of November, depending on region."
"mangy, skinny, somewhat demonic hyena-like creature with red eyes and draconic ears. It has the ability to breathe fire. They are alternately depicted in Fourth Edition as nearly skeletal canines wreathed in flame. The hell hound enjoys causing pain and suffering and it hunts accordingly. A favorite pack tactic is to silently surround prey, and then cause two hell hounds to close in and make the victim back into another hell hound's fiery breath. They will attack with their claws and teeth if they have to. If the prey manages to escape, the hell hounds will pursue it relentlessly. Hell"
"male salamander will spawn with more than one female in his den. On occasion, the male ""den master"" will also allow a second male into the den; the reason for this is unclear. Giant salamander The Cryptobranchidae are a family of fully aquatic salamanders commonly known as the giant salamanders. A single species, the hellbender (""Cryptobranchus alleganiensis"") occurs in the eastern United States, while Asian species occur in China and Japan. They are the largest living amphibians known today. The Japanese giant salamander (""Andrias japonicus"") reaches up to in length, feeds at night on fish and crustaceans, and has been"
"as detective novels, or other uses. Hellhound A hellhound is a supernatural dog in folklore. A wide variety of ominous or hellish supernatural dogs occur in mythologies around the world. Features that have been attributed to hellhounds include mangled black fur, glowing red eyes, super strength and speed, ghostly or phantom characteristics, and a foul odor. Certain European legends state that if someone stares into a hellhound's eyes three times or more, that person will surely die. In cultures that associate the afterlife with fire, hellhounds may have fire-based abilities and appearance. They are often assigned to guard the entrances"
"Beelzebufo Beelzebufo ampinga ( or ) was a particularly large species of prehistoric frog described in 2008. Common names assigned by the popular media include Killer Bean, devil toad, and the frog from hell. Fossils of ""Beelzebufo"" have been recovered from strata of the Maevarano Formation in Madagascar, dating to the late Cretaceous period, some 70 million years ago (Mya). The generic name ""Beelzebufo"" is a portmanteau of ""Beelzebub"" (a Semitic deity whose name may be translated as ""Lord of the Flies"", sometimes identified either as one of the chief lieutenants, or alter ego of the Christian Devil) and ""bufo"""
"Wyvern A wyvern ( , sometimes spelled wivern) is a legendary creature with a dragon's head and wings, a reptilian body, two legs, and a tail often ending in a diamond- or arrow-shaped tip. A sea-dwelling variant dubbed the sea-wyvern has a fish tail in place of a barbed dragon's tail. The wyvern in its various forms is important to heraldry, frequently appearing as a mascot of schools and athletic teams (chiefly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada). It is a popular creature in European and British literature, video games, and modern fantasy. The wyvern in heraldry and"
"Beaverdam Creek (conservation area) Beaverdam Creek (conservation area), a wildland in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests of western Virginia and the Cherokee National Forest of eastern Tennessee, has been recognized by the Wilderness Society as a special place worthy of protection from logging and road construction. The Wilderness Society has designated the area as a “Mountain Treasure”. Located on upper Holston Mountain, the area is bordered by Beaverdam Creek, a trout stream that is home to the hellbender, one of the largest salamanders in the world. The area is part of the ""Mount Rogers Cluster"". The area is"
"most weird, wonderful and endangered species: ""The EDGE amphibians are amongst the most remarkable and unusual species on the planet and yet an alarming 85% of the top 100 are receiving little or no conservation attention."" The top 10 endangered species (in the List of endangered animal species include: the Chinese giant salamander (""Andrias davidianus""), a relative of the hellbender (""Cryptobranchus alleganiensus""); the tiny Gardiner's Seychelles frog (""Sooglossus gardineri""); the limbless Sagalla caecilian (""Boulengerula niedeni""); the Table Mountain ghost frog (""Heleophryne rosei""); the Mexican lungless salamanders; the Malagasy rainbow frog (""Scaphiophryne gottlebei""); the Chile Darwin's frog (""Rhinoderma rufum""); and the"
"Cerberus In Greek mythology, Cerberus (; ""Kerberos"" ), often called the ""hound of Hades"", is a multi-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from leaving. Cerberus was the offspring of the monsters Echidna and Typhon, and usually is described as having three heads, a serpent for a tail, and snakes protruding from parts of his body. Cerberus is primarily known for his capture by Heracles, one of Heracles' twelve labours. Descriptions of Cerberus vary, including the number of his heads. Cerberus was usually three-headed, though not always. Cerberus had several multi-headed relatives. His father"
"use and rain forest regrowth after logging among other things, and removes illegal snares from the park which can seriously injure or kill protected animals. A number of projects are also underway in North Carolina. Protection and research of the hellbender salamander, which is globally recognized as near threatened but is classified as ""endangered"" in a number of US states including North Carolina, is the target of a project in the Appalachian Mountains. Due to the steep decline in population in the past 30 years, the zoo conducted a thorough survey, with the help of the AZA, into the hellbender"
"by the thunder beings. (Thunderbirds). The ""Heyókȟa"" is thought of as being backwards-forwards, upside-down, or contrary in nature. This manifests by their doing things backwards or unconventionally—riding a horse backwards, wearing clothes inside-out, or speaking in a backwards language. For example, if food is scarce, a ""heyókȟa"" may sit around and complain about how full he is; during a baking hot heat wave, a ""heyókȟa"" might shiver with cold and put on gloves and cover himself with a thick blanket. Similarly, when it is freezing he might wander around naked, complaining that it is too hot. A unique example is"
"Yelbeghen Yelbeghen (Йилбегән, ""Yilbegän"" or ""Yelbegän"", Tatar: ""Cilbegän"" / Җилбегән) is a multi-headed man-eating monster in the mythology of Turkic peoples of Siberia, as well as Siberian Tatars. In some myths Yilbegän is a winged dragon or serpent-like creature, while in others he is an ogre-like behemoth who rides a 99-horned ox. Some epics feature multiple Yilbegän with different numbers of heads who are the offspring of Altan Sibaldai, ""the golden witch"", a cohort of the lord of the underworld. Some epics also mention a Yilbegän king named ""Yelmogus"". In a legend of the Altai, there was a seven-headed ogre,"
"category of beasts apart from lights and heavies, and the inclusion of warbeasts with wings, making them highly maneuverable. The three lessers to date, the Shredder, Stinger and winged Harrier, serve primarily as expendable shock troops or damage sinks. Their light beasts are more diverse, with the Teraph and Nephilim Protector filling defensive roles, the Nephilim Soldier and Raek providing melee offense options. The Nephilim Bolt Thrower provides ranged support. The Legion also has access to a number of heavy warbeasts. The Carnivean and Scythean focus on melee damage while the winged Angelius is a fast, maneuverable assassin. Additionally, the"
"museum. Twenty years later, Jeffries admitted to the hoax. Jersey Devil In New Jersey folklore, the Jersey Devil (a.k.a. the Leeds Devil) is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey. The creature is often described as a flying biped with hooves, but there are many variations. The common description is that of a kangaroo-like or wyvern-like creature with a goat- or horse-like head, leathery bat-like wings, horns, small arms with clawed hands, cloven hooves and a forked tail. It has been reported to move quickly and often is described as emitting a ""blood-curdling scream""."
"""Troll Fell"" by Katherine Langrish, ""Abbeychurch"" by Charlotte M. Yonge and ""Dear Brutus"" by J. M. Barrie (as ""Lob, the ancient Puck""). It is also notable that Hellboy fills in some of the credentials of a Lubber Fiend. He was born of a witch and the devil, he has a tail, and he serves men, though not for milk. He can therefore be seen as a modern-day Lubber Fiend. Lubber fiend The lubber fiend, Lob, lubberkin, lurdane or Lob Lie-By-The-Fire was a legendary creature of English folklore that was similar in attributes to the ""brownie"" (or ""Urisk"") of Scotland and"
"Splintercat The splintercat (""Felynx arbordiffisus"") is a legendary creature and fictional animal in the United States. The splintercat is a nocturnal feline animal of great ferocity. It flies through the air with terrific speed and when it hits a large tree, it knocks the branches off, withers the trunk and leaves it standing like a silvery ghost. These dead snags can be seen in many parts of the Pacific Northwest. The splinter cat performs this feat that it is named after to expose raccoons and bees. However, the act of breaking open trees with its head leaves it with a"
"Chimera (mythology) The Chimera ( or , also Chimaera (""Chimæra""); Greek: , ""Chímaira"" ""she-goat"") was, according to Greek mythology, a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature of Lycia in Asia Minor, composed of the parts of more than one animal. It is usually depicted as a lion, with the head of a goat arising from its back, and a tail that might end with a snake's head, and was one of the offspring of Typhon and Echidna and a sibling of such monsters as Cerberus and the Lernaean Hydra. The term ""chimera"" has come to describe any mythical or fictional animal with"
"Cuélebre Cuélebre (Asturian) or Culebre (Cantabrian), is a giant winged serpent-dragon of the Asturian and Cantabrian mythology, that lives in a cave, guards treasures and keeps ""xanas"" / ""anjanas"" as prisoners. Although they are immortal, they grow old as the time goes by and their scales become thick and impenetrable, and bat wings grow in their bodies. They don't usually move, and when they do it, it is in order to eat cattle and people. One can kill the cuélebre giving him as meal a red-hot stone or a bread full of pins. Its spit it is said to turn"