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Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) Credit: USGS

rusty crayfish
Orconectes rusticus

Characteristics:

• Brown body up to 4 in (10.2 cm) long
• Dark, rusty spots on each side of carapace
• Large, black-tipped claws

Habitat:

• Lakes, ponds, streams
• Clay, silt, sand, gravel, or rock bottom areas
• Prefer areas with rocks, logs, or other debris as cover
• Can live in both fast- and slow-moving areas of streams

Known Distribution:

• Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont
• Native range: Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan

Impacts:

• Severely reduce cover of aquatic plants, eliminating habitat for invertebrates, food for fish and ducks, shelter for young fish, nesting substrate for fish, and erosion control
• Reduce native crayfish populations by competing for food and daytime hiding locations

Common Vector(s):
Bait release