Cambarus is a large and diverse
genus of
crayfish from the United States and Canada. The adults range in size from about 5 cm (2.0 in) up to approximately 15 cm (5.9 in).
Description
The genus Cambarus is the second largest freshwater crayfish genus inhabiting the Northern Hemisphere, with only sixty fewer species than the genus Procambarus.[2] Though Cambarus are varied across species, the two terminal elements that make up the male form I
gonopod form ninety degree angles with the central appendage, allowing for their identification. Unlike the genus Procambarus whose first
pleopod tends to have three processes at the tip, Cambarus has only one or two.[2]Cambarus reach 17–26 mm (0.67–1.02 in)
carapace lengths in their first year, while average adult carapace length ranges from 55–62 mm (2.2–2.4 in).[3] The name Cambarus comes from an alteration of Latin cammarus, meaning "lobster".[citation needed]
As a genus containing nearly 100 species, Cambarus's coloration is variable.[2]Cambarus bartonii is dark brown, while species like Cambarus pauleyi range from subtle to vibrant blues and reds.[2] Other species are light green or grayish in color.[2]
Biogeography
Most species of Cambarus are restricted to the United States and Canada. They are distributed along the eastern coast, extending from
New Brunswick to northern
Florida.[2] However, the genus extends as far westward as the
Rocky Mountains of
Wyoming and
Colorado, inhabiting a variety of
freshwater environments.[4]
Habitat
Cambarus occupy a range of freshwater environments including streams, rivers, lakes, and burrows. Burrowing species of the genus include Cambarus dubius.[2]Cambarus also include many cave-dwelling species, both
stygobites and
stygophiles.[3] While salinity and temperature changes minimally affect Cambarus, the genus has shown an intolerance to pollution.[5]
Ecology
Diet
Like other crayfish, Cambarus are foragers. Diets are largely plant-based, though Cambarus also consume small marine organisms like molluscs, larvae, tadpoles and amphibian eggs. Cambarus consume small rodents or birds when available.[3] In their first year, Cambarus typically consume 1-4% of their overall body-weight each day.[3] The genus is central to many freshwater
food webs as they help maintain water quality through consumption of
algae.[5]
Vulnerability
One of the largest crayfish genera, Cambarus includes a sizable number of vulnerable species.[5] Cave-dwellers like Cambarus jonesi are at risk due to their lack of
genetic diversity and low population count. Other species like Cambarus veteranus are at risk due to human practices like logging and mining, which increase sediment amounts in freshwater environments.[2] Increased sediment causes these freshwater environments to be uninhabitable, and Cambarus are forced to relocate as a result.[2]
Growth
Molting occurs among Cambarus approximately 5-10 times during their first year, and 3-5 times during subsequent years. Cambarus remain relatively inactive during periods of molting, as the shedding of
chitinousexoskeletons leaves them more vulnerable to predation and injury.[3] Many species of Cambarus continue to grow well into
adulthood.[3]
Reproduction
Cambarus typically mate in the early spring. Both Cambarus bartonii and Cambarus robustus only mate once during their three-year life span, with females of both carrying fewer eggs than those of the genus Orconectes.[3]
The genus Cambarus contains around 100 species,[6] many of which are listed on the
IUCN Red List.[7] Species in the genus were formerly divided among 12
subgenera.[8] In a 2017 study,[9] these subgenera were found to lack any phylogenetic validity and were therefore eliminated.
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abcBuhay, J; et al. (February 2007). "Molecular taxonomy in the dark: Evolutionary history, phylogeography, and diversity of cave crayfish in the subgenus Aviticambarus, genus Cambarus". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 42 (2): 435–448.
doi:
10.1016/j.ympev.2006.07.014.
PMID16971141.
Fitzgerald, Alicia (2013-10-08) [2006].
"Crayfish". The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington. The Pennsylvania State University. Retrieved May 10, 2021.