Arkansas is home to several salamander species. What is the largest salamander found in North America, which also lives in Arkansas streams?

The Hellbender is recognized as the largest salamander in North America, and it inhabits streams and rivers within Arkansas. This aquatic salamander can reach lengths of up to 29 inches and is well-adapted to a life in freshwater environments. Hellbenders prefer clean, rocky streams where they can find shelter under large rocks and debris. Their presence is often considered an indicator of good water quality, making them an important species for ecological health assessments.

This species has a unique appearance, characterized by its large, flattened body and loose, wrinkled skin, which aids in respiration as they absorb oxygen directly from the water. The Hellbender is particularly significant in the study of biodiversity and conservation efforts in Arkansas, where various aquatic habitats are crucial for its survival.

In contrast, the other salamanders listed, such as the Eastern Tiger Salamander, Spotted Salamander, and Red Salamander, while interesting species, do not reach the size or have the same ecological role as the Hellbender in Arkansas’s aquatic ecosystems.