Premium
Comparative Ecology of the Crayfishes Orconectes rusticus rusticus and Cambarus tenebrosus in Doe Run, Meade County, Kentucky
Author(s) -
Prins Rudolph
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19680530502
Subject(s) - ecology , biology , detritus , riparian zone , cottus , habitat
Abstract The ecology and life histories of Orconectes rusticus rusticus (GIRARD) and Cambarus tenebrosus HAY were investigated in a spring stream, Doe Run, Meade County, Kentucky, from September 1962 through September 1964. Differences in ecology of these species were most clearly seen in their habitat preferences and distributions in the stream, their feeding habits, responses to temperature, and infestations by an harpacticoid copepod Attheyella carolinensis CHAPPUIS, and in other life history phenomena, particularly with regard to reproduction and growth. Cambarus tenebrosus was most abundant in the constant temperature areas of the headwaters of Doe Run. Orconectes r. rusticus was found only in the lower three‐fourths of the stream. Water temperatures in the headwater area may have been too low (12 — 14 C) for optimal growth of the crayfish had it existed there. Adults of C. tenebrosus were primarily hypogean, but young and subadults frequented the open stream environment. Orconectes r. rusticus was primarily an open stream inhabitant, and was sympatric with C. tenebrosus subadults and young in the downstream areas. When C. tenebrosus occurred in the open environment, it was most abundant in association with vegetation, and hence, was more heavily infested with A. carolinensis than O. r. rusticus. Detritus, mainly from fallen leaves and marl grazings, apparently formed the most important component of the diet of O. r. rusticus. Vascular plants, mainly fallen leaves from the riparian vegetation, constituted the main portion of the diet of C. tenebrosus; filamentous algae were widely used where and when they were present. Orconectes r. rusticus eggs hatch in May. These hatchlings become mature in 15 months and females oviposit after 22 – 24 months from March —May. Sexual maturity is attained at a carapace length of about 18 mm; maximum size is 45 mm. Most animals die after about 2.5 years; however, some live for three years. Molting activity ceases in winter. Cambarus tenebrosus young hatch in July and August. Most hatchlings remain in the burrows until October and November at which time they emerge in response to dominance behavior. Growth occurs throughout the winter months, and sexual maturity is attained in 20 – 22 months when the crayfish are about 40 mm in carapace length. Mature females oviposit during June and July after about 22–23 months, and probably again after 34–35 months. Mating occurs during the winter and spring. In Doe Run, maximum size attained is 65 mm carapace length. Cambarus tenebrosus probably lives for 36 – 38 months.