Title

Distribution and Conservation Status of the Rusty Gravedigger, Cambarus miltus, a Poorly Known Gulf Coastal Crayfish

Authors

Christopher A. Taylor, Prairie Wildlife Research
Guenter Schuster, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow
Courtney L. Graydon, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Paul E. Moler, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Department

Biological Sciences

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

Cambarus (Lacunicambarus) miltus (Rusty Gravedigger Crayfish) is a primary burrowing crayfish known from a limited portion of the Gulf Coastal region of the United States. The lack of form I males in collections has in the past prevented species level identifications and hampered conservation reviews. We conducted an intensive status survey for C. miltus during 2007 and 2008. Our results suggest that the species is much more widespread than previously known and that conservation attention is unwarranted. Preferred habitat for the species is ephemerally flooded and thinly wooded floodplains of small streams and swamps.

Journal Title

Southeastern Naturalist

Recommended Citation

Taylor, C. A., Schuster, G. A., Graydon, C. L., & Moler, P. E. (2011). Distribution and Conservation Status of the Rusty Gravedigger, Cambarus miltus , a Poorly Known Gulf Coastal Crayfish. Southeastern Naturalist, 10(3), 547-552. DOI: 10.1656/058.010.0314