Hellbender
Hellbenders are among the largest salamanders in the world. This topic is part of Amphibians within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 6 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
Hellbender trivia questions
What kind of animal is a hellbender?
Answer: A giant aquatic salamander
Bonus fact: Hellbenders are among the largest salamanders in the world.
Where are hellbenders native?
Answer: Streams and rivers of the eastern United States
Bonus fact: They prefer cool, clean, fast-flowing water with large rocks for shelter.
What unusual feature helps hellbenders absorb oxygen from the water?
Answer: Wrinkled folds of skin
Bonus fact: Their loose skin increases surface area for gas exchange, so water quality is especially important to them.
What is true of hellbender skin slime?
Answer: It is bitter but not toxic
Bonus fact: The foul-tasting slime acts as a chemical defense against predators.
The hellbender ranks about where among the world’s salamanders by size?
Answer: Third largest
Bonus fact: Only the Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders are larger.
What is North America's largest amphibian species?
Answer: Hellbender
Bonus fact: Hellbenders can grow to more than two feet long.