The hellbender salamander (known by locals as “devil dog”, “snot otter”, “lasagne lizard”
and “Allegheny alligator” among other names) is a large and fully aquatic amphibian found
in the United States. There are two subspecies: the Ozark hellbender, the rarer of the two
found in rivers in Missouri and Arkansas, and the eastern hellbender. The latter is widely
distributed through the Appalachian region and also occurs in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky and Ohio.
Hellbenders are typically found under partially submerged rocks in cold,
fast flowing mountain streams. They are at least partially nocturnal, emerging at night to
hunt crayfish and fish.
Hellbenders are the largest North American salamander. Adults typically have a total body
length of anywhere between 40 and 74 centimetres and weigh between 1.5 and 2.5
kilograms. Hellbenders have a flat body and head, with folded slimy skin, small, beady eyes
and a large paddle-shaped tail used for propulsion. The body is usually mottled dark grey or
brown in colour. Hellbenders do possess simple lungs but use them for buoyancy instead of
breathing (oxygen exchange occurs through their skin instead).
Hellbenders mate in autumn, with reproductive action taking place under large nest rocks.
Females lay a double strand of 100-150 eggs that are fertilised externally by the males.
Males will guard the nest until the eggs hatch approximately two months later. Interestingly,
larval hellbenders breathe through external gills. These gills disappear and juveniles breathe
through their skin when they reach two years of age. Captive hellbenders can live for up to
29 years but wild specimens are thought to be able to live much longer.
Hellbender populations have declined dramatically due to anthropogenic causes such as
pollution, disease, destruction of riverine habitat and overharvesting for commercial
purposes.
Pre-Supported
This model comes with a pre-supported version allowing for easy resin printing. The chitubox file is also supplied if customisation of supports is required.
As this model contains many fine details and delicate parts, care is recommended when removing supports to avoid damage.
Clipping off the supports before cleaning up with a sharp blade or file is the best method.
Hollowed Version
This model includes a hollowed version. The hollowed version is made available in order to reduce the amount of resin consumed.
If printing hollowed, curing the inside of the model is recommended.
