virile crayfish
(Faxonius virilis)
This species is Native to certain parts of the United States but may be invasive to others
Origin
Faxonius virilis is native to the Great Lakes, Missouri River, upper Mississippi River, and lower Ohio River and up to east of the continental divide in Montana, with distinct populations in the Black River in Missouri and Arkansas, the upper White River in Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Red River in Texas and Oklahoma, and Lake Champlain in New York. Northern crayfish were introduced to other parts of the United States as dumped live bait.
Life Cycle
F. virilis grow to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in length and are olive-brown in coloration. An identifiable characteristic of Northern crayfish is yellow bumps on the chela (pincher-like claws) which can be blue or green in color. F. virilis are found in streams with moderate flow and are inhibited by strong flowing water. Northern crayfish are nocturnal and are opportunistic feeders. Mating occurs in later summer or autumn with females retaining eggs until they are laid in spring. Eggs hatch approximately 1-2 months after laying with the first-instar juveniles remaining attached to the mother until they undergo two molts. When juveniles reach the third-star stage, they are free-swimming and leave the mother. Sexual maturity is reached in their second summer.
Distribution
F. virilis are established in 24 states outside its native range.
Control Efforts
F. virilis can cause a decline or local extirpation of native crayfish and is known to consume young reptiles, amphibians, fish eggs, and macroinvertebrates.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=215
https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Orconectes_virilis_Wong_2014.pdf
Taylor, C.A., G.A. Schuster, and D.B. Wylie. 2015. Field guide to crayfishes of the Midwest. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL.
Faxonius virilis is native to the Great Lakes, Missouri River, upper Mississippi River, and lower Ohio River and up to east of the continental divide in Montana, with distinct populations in the Black River in Missouri and Arkansas, the upper White River in Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Red River in Texas and Oklahoma, and Lake Champlain in New York. Northern crayfish were introduced to other parts of the United States as dumped live bait.
Life Cycle
F. virilis grow to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in length and are olive-brown in coloration. An identifiable characteristic of Northern crayfish is yellow bumps on the chela (pincher-like claws) which can be blue or green in color. F. virilis are found in streams with moderate flow and are inhibited by strong flowing water. Northern crayfish are nocturnal and are opportunistic feeders. Mating occurs in later summer or autumn with females retaining eggs until they are laid in spring. Eggs hatch approximately 1-2 months after laying with the first-instar juveniles remaining attached to the mother until they undergo two molts. When juveniles reach the third-star stage, they are free-swimming and leave the mother. Sexual maturity is reached in their second summer.
Distribution
F. virilis are established in 24 states outside its native range.
Control Efforts
F. virilis can cause a decline or local extirpation of native crayfish and is known to consume young reptiles, amphibians, fish eggs, and macroinvertebrates.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=215
https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Orconectes_virilis_Wong_2014.pdf
Taylor, C.A., G.A. Schuster, and D.B. Wylie. 2015. Field guide to crayfishes of the Midwest. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: Crustacea |
| Class: Malacostraca |
| Order: Decapoda |
| Family: Cambaridae |
| Genus: Faxonius |
| Faxonius virilis |
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
northern crayfish
Related Scientific Names:
Orconectes virilis (Hagen, 1870) (Synonym)