New Species of Crayfish Documented on the Shawnee National Forest

Recent surveys have resulted in the documentation of new species of crayfish

The Cambarus polychromatus, commonly known as the painted-hand mudbug, was recently identified on the Shawnee National Forest. This crawfish had never been documented on the Forest until it was found in two widely separated locations, Dog Creek in Pope County and a tributary to Cedar Lake in Jackson County.

Melissa Mead, Student Career Employment Program (SCEP) ecologist on the Forest, developed a sampling protocol for crayfish and began surveying in 2007. Crayfish are extremely difficult to identify in the field, therefore, Melissa entered into a partnership agreement with the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois to identify species that are collected on the Forest. Under this agreement, Melissa has been working with the Illinois Natural History Survey to better document the locations of crayfish across the Forest.

Melissa's most recent survey effort yielded the discovery of this species of crayfish. The painted-hand mudbug was first recognized by researchers as a new species of crayfish in 2005. The painted-hand mudbug is not rare and is widely distributed throughout Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. However, the identification of these specimens has documented the painted-hand mudbug for the first time on the Shawnee National Forest.

Melissa's efforts have also yielded critical information on the Indiana crayfish. She has documented the Indiana crayfish, a State of Illinois Endangered Species and Regional Forester Sensitive Species, at two new locations on the Forest, Eagle Creek and Clifty Creek in Saline County. The results of these surveys will play an important role in planning future Forest projects as we continue our efforts to manage and conserve these species of crayfish.

Melissa's partnership with the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois is an effective and efficient method of working with partners to protect ecosystems across boundaries.