Reptilicus (character)

Reptilicus is the titular antagonist in the 1961 giant monster film of the same name. He is a giant dragon-like creature with the ability to regenerate from a single body-part.

Biography
Svend Viltorft The Miners dug up Reptilicus's tail when they were drilling in Lapland. It is flown to the Danish aquariam in Copenhagen, where it is put in a cold room for study. Due to careless mishandling, the door is left open and the section begins to thaw, only for scientists to find that it is beginning to regenerate.

The creature is dubbed "Reptilicus" and its regenerating ability is compared to other animals like earthworms and starfish. Once fully regenerated, it goes on a rampage across the Danish countryside to the panic-stricken streets of Copenhagen.

It is presumably killed when it is poisoned by ingenious scientists and military officers, and its foot sinks to the bottom of the sea, leaving the film open-ended, as the foot could possibly regenerate.