An Annotated Checklist of the Freshwater Crayfish of Virginia

Abstract

We used existing collection records to summarize the current understanding of freshwater crayfish diversity in Virginia. Virginia includes both Atlantic slope drainages and tributaries of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers which flow to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. The state’s varied topography produces a wide range of freshwater habitats from mountain-side springs and seeps to rushing mountain streams to warm, turbid rivers and the lentic habitats of the coastal plain. We report distributional patterns of 31 species and one subspecies. About 20% of the species reported are introduced, one native species is federally listed as threatened, and several other taxa are species of conservation concern. A number of yet-to-be-described taxa with highly limited distributions will likely need protection. We hope the data included will prove useful in future efforts to understand the diversity of these fascinating and ecologically important animals in Virginia and will further the resolution of Virginia’s complete crayfish fauna.