The larvae at hatching are approximately 1-1 1/4 inches in length and retain a large yolk sac. Males then drive out the spent females and remain within the nest cavity to brood and safeguard the eggs until they hatch 68-75 days later in November. The breeding pair slowly sways within the nest cavity during fertilization, thereby ensuring a thorough mixing of seminal fluid and eggs. Eggs are fertilized externally as they are being deposited. The eggs are 5-7 mm in diameter and number between 150-400 per egg mass. Females simultaneously deposit two long strings of eggs in a softball-sized yellowish mass onto the nest bed. Egg laying is initiated about the first week in September. Gravid females are either attracted to or corralled into the nest sites by the males. Males excavate a large nest chamber beneath a rock in preparation for breeding. Hellbenders are more conspicuous at this time of the year and some diurnal activity may be observed on overcast days. Sexually mature salamanders migrate to and congregate within certain areas to breed. Courtship and breeding begin in late summer. Hellbenders become active after dark, leaving shelter to forage, feeding primarily on crayfish, fish, frogs and a variety of invertebrates. These salamanders generally spend the daylight hours in a natural or self-excavated den beneath large slabs of rock or other shelter-providing objects (logs and boards) on the bottom of streams or rivers. Hellbenders are aquatic organisms throughout their life and remain active year-round. These salamanders are perfectly adapted to their swift flowing stream habitats with their flattened head and body, short stout legs, long rudderlike tail, and very small beady eyes. Several loose flaps of thick, wrinkled skin, which serve a respiratory function, run laterally along either side of the animal. Individuals usually sport dark mottling over the back and upper sides. Sexually mature adult hellbenders range in size from 12-29 inches and vary in color from grayish to olive brown and occasionally entirely black. Inhabiting only two of New York State's river drainages, the eastern hellbender is an intriguing and bizarre animal and hails as the Americas' largest aquatic salamander.
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