Field Guide

to

MICHIGAN
CRAYFISH

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background and introduction 3
Key terms 6
Anatomy diagram 7
Identification Key 8
Big water crayfish (Cambarus robustus) 10
Digger crayfish (Creaserinus fodiens) 12
Calico crayfish (Faxonius immunis) 14
Northern clearwater crayfish (Faxonius propinquus) 16
Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) INVASIVE 18
Virile crayfish (Faxonius virilis) 20
Devil crayfish (Lacunicambarus diogenes) 22
Paintedhand mudbug (Lacunicambarus polychromatus) 24
White river crayfish (Procambarus acutus) 26
Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) INVASIVE 28
Potential invasive species 30
Regulations and reporting 31

CREDITS
Kelley Smith, Michigan State University

Lucas Nathan, aquatic invasive species coordinator,

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Tracy Page, aquatic education coordinator,

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Will Budnick, Michigan State University

Illustrations: Rachel Spelich

Editors: Casey Warner, Leah Higgins and Joanne Foreman
Cover: Paintedhand mudbug image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Edition 2, 2021
2
BACKGROUND
Crayfish are members of the order Decapoda, or 10-footed crustaceans,
which also includes shrimp, crabs and lobsters. There are approximately 700
species of crayfish worldwide. Of the 10 crayfish species known in Michigan,
eight of them are native and two are invasive. All of Michigan’s crayfish are
part of the family Cambaridae that are broken up into three distinct groups
based on their preferred habitat: primary burrowers, secondary burrowers
and tertiary burrowers. Additionally, North American Cambarid crayfishes
are unique in that all males seasonally alternate between reproductive (Form
I) and non-reproductive (Form II) states. The reproductive Form I male has
unique changes to body shape which can be used to make positive species
identifications. Despite relatively low crayfish species richness in Michigan,
each of the state’s eight native species lives in, and contributes to, wetlands
and aquatic ecosystems in important and unique ways.

Primary burrowers
Three of Michigan’s crayfish, the paintedhand mudbug (Lacunicambarus
polychromatus), devil crayfish (Lacunicambarus diogenes) and digger crayfish
(Creaserinus fodiens), are considered primary burrowers. These species
spend most of their lives underground in fields, ditches, prairies and wet
meadows. The best time to see these crayfish is in the spring during early
morning rain showers as they make their trek to nearby water sources to
explore or release their young. The rest of the year, they build and occupy a
deep and complex subterranean tunnel system that goes at least as deep as
the ground water table. Sometimes you can spot these crayfish on rainy or
humid nights hunting or walking on land. Burrows sometimes include small
mounds of protracting soil, referred to as “chimney” which can help spot
their presence.

Michigan’s primary burrowers can live upwards of 20 years. They provide

food for many aquatic and terrestrial species and help aerate soil beds. Their
burrows also serve as important habitat for many other species, including
the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana),
the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus
catenatus), and the cicada killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus).1, 2 3

1. Glon, M., R. Thoma. 2017. An Observation of the Use of Devil Crayfish (Cambarus cf. diogenes)
Burrows as Brooding Habitat by Eastern Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus). Freshwater
Crayfish. 23. 55-57.

2. Pintora,L.M., D. A. Solukb. 2006. Evaluating the non-consumptive, positive effects of a predator

in the persistence of an endangered species. Biological Conservation 130: 584 – 591

3. R. A. Seigel 1986. Ecology and conservation of an endangered rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus, in

Missouri, USA. Biological Conservation 35:333–346. 3
 Image courtesy James Stauder

Paintedhand mudbug hunting from it’s burrow opening.

Secondary burrowers
Secondary burrowers can occupy diverse habitats. They are capable of
burrowing to escape drought, cold temperatures and predation, but their
burrows tend to be much smaller and less complex, and their burrows
may or may not have chimneys like in primary burrowers. Most secondary
burrowers have a direct connection to permanent bodies of water such as
streams, wetlands or ponds. Secondary burrowers are likely to be found in
the water during the spring, summer and fall.

Michigan is home to three secondary burrowing species of crayfish. White

river crayfish (Procambarus acutus) and the calico, or paper-shell, crayfish
(Faxonius immunis) are native secondary burrowers. In 2017, several
confirmed populations of invasive red swamp crayfish (P. clarkii), also
secondary burrowers, were found in Michigan watersheds.

Tertiary burrowers
Permanent bodies of water like streams, lakes and ponds are home to
Michigan’s last group of crayfish, the tertiary burrowers. These crayfish
spend their entire life under surface water. The four species include the big
water crayfish (Cambarus robustus), northern clearwater crayfish (F.
propinquus), northern crayfish (F. virilis), and the non-native rusty crayfish
(F. rusticus). These crayfish rarely, if ever, leave permanent water and only
burrow during extreme circumstances or to excavate depressions under
rocks and debris in the water for shelter. As both predators and prey, they
are important keystone species to Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems. They
help to shape the vegetative and invertebrate communities in streams and
lakes while simultaneously acting as a popular food item for many predatory
fish.4,5
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 Invasive crayfish species in Michigan
Michigan defines invasive species as those that are not native and whose
introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to the environment,
economy or human health. Some invasive species are legally designated by
the state as “prohibited” or “restricted.” If a species is prohibited or
restricted, it is unlawful to possesses, introduce, import, sell or offer that
species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.6

Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) are native to the Ohio River basin and
have been introduced throughout the Great Lakes region. They have spread
across many of Michigan’s inland and Great Lakes waters in the last 100
years, their spread most likely facilitated by habitat alterations and angler
bait bucket transfers. Once established, they outcompete native crayfish,
alter habitat, and consume fish eggs.

Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are native to the western Gulf
Coast states and the southern Mississippi River drainage. Due to their
popularity in the live food trade, biological supply industry, and pet trade,
they have been introduced in many U.S. states and around the world.1,2 The
first observations of established red swamp crayfish in Michigan occurred in
2017. Like rusty crayfish, red swamp crayfish can outcompete native species
and negatively affect the ecosystem. Their burrowing tendencies can cause
shoreline erosion and have negative effects on water quality.

Range maps
Maps in this guide show known ranges in green, based on the most current
surveys and public reports. The most recent comprehensive state-wide
stream and river survey was conducted by Smith et al. in 2018 and
specimens identified in later field seasons. Species in Michigan have seen
changes in their abundance and statewide range due to a variety of factors
including natural and human-caused dispersal, habitat loss, pollution, and
competition with invasive species.7
4, Twardochleb, L. A., J. D. Olden, and E. R. Larson. 2013. A global meta-analysis of the ecological
impacts of nonnative crayfish. Freshwater Science 32(4):1367–1382.
5. Loureiro, T. G., P. M. S. G. Anastácio, C. Souty-Grosset, P. B. Araujo, and M. P. Almerão. 2015. Red
swamp crayfish: biology, ecology and invasion - an overview. Nauplius 23(1):1–19.
6. Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Michigan Public Act 451. 1994.
Part 413: Transgenic and Nonnative Organisms, section 324.41302.
7. Smith, K. R., B. M. Roth, M. L. Jones, D. B. Hayes, S. J. Herbst, N. Popoff. 2018. Changes in the
distribution of Michigan crayfishes and the influence of invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius
rusticus) on native crayfish substrate associations. Biological Invasions 21; 637–656.
5
 Key Terms
Areola: Hourglass-shaped area on the dorsal surface of the carapace.
Two arching portions of the carapace meet, or nearly meet.
Outline of the gill arch.
Carapace: Hardened exterior of the crayfish’s thoracic region, composed
of two fused segments. It covers the head, gills, and internal
organs of the crayfish.
Chelae: First walking legs of crayfish. They are often enlarged and com-
monly referred to as the claws.
Copulatory hook: Small thorn-like extension near the base of the third and/or
fourth walking legs. Found only in mature, Form I males. Used
for holding female in place during sexual reproduction. Loca-
tions on which legs is distinguishing in many species.
Dactyl: Movable part of the chelae.
Dorsal: Top side or “back” of the crayfish.
Gonopod: First pleopod of male crayfish, often used as an identifying
feature, as they are significantly different in both shape and
size from the remaining pleopods. Used for transferring sperm
to the annulus ventralis. Form I gonopods, breeding phase, are
used as an identifying feature and are larger and more robust.
Form II gonopods are the non-reproductive form and are often
smaller and less robust.
Gonopore: Opening on female crayfish through which eggs are released.
Located between the fourth and fifth walking legs. Also known
as annulus ventralis in some guides.
Lateral view: View from the side when crayfish is held horizontally level and
perpendicular to the observer’s line of sight.
Marginal spines: Spines located at the margins of the rostrum.
Median carina: Raised ridge located in the center of the rostrum. If the
medina carina is not easily visible, it can be felt by using one’s
fingernail to scratch along the rostrum.
Mesial: Towards the mid-line of the body.
Pleopod: Appendages in ventral side of tail, also called swimmerets.
Female crayfish have longer pleopods for holding eggs.
Rostrum: “Nose” of the crayfish. The extended triangular or shovel-
shaped dorsal extension located above and between the eyes.
Suborbital angle: Triangular point formed directly below the eye of the crayfish,
as seen from the side view. The presence or absence of this
point is an identifying feature in Michigan crayfish.
Tubercle: Hard, rounded bumps located on carapace and/or chelae of
crayfish. The presence or absence and arrangement of the
tubercles can be helpful in identifying individuals.
Ventral: Underside or “belly” of the crayfish.

6
 Basic crayfish anatomy
DORSAL VIEW
Chela Suborbital Carapace
angle
Dactyl

Tubercle

Rostrum Areola Mid-line

and Median
marginal carina
spines

VENTRAL VIEW
Male Female

Form 1 Gonopore
gonopod
Pleopods

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 Crayfish of Michigan identification key
1. Areola:
A. Closed ... go to 2. B. Open ... go to 5.

2. Rostrum:
A. Without marginal B. Small marginal spines;
spines; carapace carapace covered in
without tubercles; tubercles; gonopods
gonopods with with more than two
two terminal terminal elements ...
elements ... red swamp crayfish
go to 3. (P. clarkii).

3. Sub-orbital angle:
A. Present ... B. Absent ...
go to 4. digger crayfish
(C. fodiens).

4. Rostrum:
A. Steeply deflected B. Straight and slightly
downward in lateral downward lateral view ...
view ... devil crayfish (L. diogenes).
paintedhand mudbug
(L. polychromatus).

5. Rostrum:
A. Rostrum terminates B. Rostrum terminates
without marginal spines with marginal spines ...
... big water crayfish go to 6.
(C. robustus).

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6. Median carina:
A. Median carina on B. No median carina on
dorsal surface of rostrum ... go to 7.
rostrum ... northern
clearwater crayfish
(F. propinquus).

7. Carapace:
A. Carapace covered in tubercles; B. Carapace lacking numerous
gonopods having more than two tubercles; gonopods with two terminal
terminal elements ... white river elements ... go to 8.
crayfish (P. acutus).

8. Chelae:
A. Deep incision at base of dactyl ... B. No deep incision at base of dactyl ...
calico crayfish (F. immunis). go to 9.

9. Rostrum:
A. Rostrum margins concave; B. Rostrum margins straight or slightly
tubercles on mesial margins of dactyl convex; tubercles on margins of dactyl
and chelae small ... rusty crayfish and chelae robust ... virile crayfish
(F. rusticus). (F. virilis).

9
 Big water crayfish
Cambarus robustus

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Two rows of tubercles

on margin of chelae

Open areola

No marginal spines

10
Big water crayfish
Cambarus robustus
A robust tertiary burrower that prefers fast, oxygen-rich, stone-laden streams and
is often found occupying depressions beneath large stones. Abundant populations
inhabit the eastern Lower Peninsula streams, and found occasionally in the western
Lower Peninsula. The big water crayfish has a smooth body with two rows of
tubercles on the inside edge of its large claws. It rarely exhibits flashy colors;
instead these crayfish are monotones of drab green, brown, tan, or gray. Big water
crayfish appear to share streams with rusty crayfish, which are known to displace
other crayfish species.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Open, moderately wide.
Rostrum: Terminates without marginal spines in a strong point.
Chela: Large and robust.
Tubercles: Mesial margin of palm has two rows of rounded Known range of
tubercles. C. robustus, 2020
Gonopods: Two short, sharply angled and sickle-shaped terminal
elements on form 1 gonopods.

Habitat: Open water (tertiary burrowers); often found under large rocks in
flowing, well-oxygenated water.

Color notes: Very smooth body

features, often gray or olive drab.

Chela

Form 1
Areola Gonopods

Rostrum
Tubercles
11
 Digger crayfish
Creaserinus fodiens

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

No suborbital angle;
downward deflected
rostrum with no
marginal spines

Closed areola

Notch in dactyl;
large tubercles at
base of dactyl;
sometimes hairs
in chelae

Image courtesy Gabriel Elia

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Digger crayfish
Creaserinus fodiens
A round-bodied primary burrower that prefers floodplains and forested wetlands
across the Lower Peninsula and occasionally can be found in sluggish streams,
vernal pools and ditch lines with abundant detritus and leaf packs. Digger
crayfish live up to their name, digging burrows that often have several openings
and occasionally intersect with the burrows of other digger crayfish. These burrows
have been shown to be critical habitat for the federally endangered Hine’s
emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) and threatened eastern massasauga
rattle-snake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). The digger crayfish is most likely to be
encountered outside of its burrow in the early spring after snow melt fills the water
table and vernal pools. This small crayfish is compact and oval-shaped and its color
is often mottled in earth tones and grays, with the occasional warm highlight.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Closed.

Rostrum: Broad downward angle, without marginal spines;

lacks sub-orbital angle.

Chela: Large and wide with flattened fingers. Often dactyl Known range of
has prominent notch and hairs. C. fodiens, 2020

Tubercles: Large tubercles at base of dactyls.

Gonopods: Two short, sharply

angled and sickle- shaped terminal
elements on form 1 gonopods.

Habitat: Primary burrowers. Can

be found in complex burrows in Chela
wet meadows, near vernal pools.
Often multiple individuals of this
gregarious species inhabit a Areola
complex.

Color Notes: Often brown to

light brown with mottling. Rostrum
Tubercles
13
 Calico crayfish
Faxonius immunis

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Rostrum margins
converges in small
spines
Areola narrowly
open

Deep incision at
base of movable
dactyl

Image courtesy Brennan Wright

14
Calico crayfish
Faxonius immunis
A small to medium, thin-shelled crayfish, often called the “paper-shell
crayfish.” This secondary burrower has a scattered range across the Lower
Peninsula and is occasionally observed in the western Upper Peninsula. It can be
quite abundant where observed, occupying sluggish, soft-bottomed streams, ditch
lines, vernal pools and flooded meadows. It is often found in vegetated portions of
water bodies, or in simple burrows near permanent and temporary bodies of
water. It is highly dynamic in its use of simple burrows or open water, often
returning to burrows when conditions are not favorable or during water draw-
down. Calico crayfish have a wide range of color patterns, from black and brown to
mottled displays of green, gray and brown and sometimes blue, green, or purple
chelae. Chelae in larger individuals usually display a prominent notch in the dactyl.
Because of its availability and its soft body, the calico crayfish it is popular among
anglers as a form of live bait.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Narrowly open.

Rostrum: Moderately excavated; margins converges in small spines.

Chela: Large; deep incision at base of the movable dactyl. Known range of
F. immunis, 2020
Tubercles: Large, forward-angling tubercles along mesial
margin of palm region and dactyl.

Gonopods: Two thin terminal elements

strongly curved at almost 90 degrees on
form 1 gonopods.

Habitat: Secondary burrowers;

can be found in banks of ditch Form 1
Chela gonopods
lines, wet fields, and in vegetation
of soft-bottomed creeks and Areola
streams.

Color notes: Often mottled Rostrum

with light hues of gray and
brown. Tubercles
15
 Northern clearwater crayfish
Faxonius propinquus

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Median carina
between marginal
spines on rostrum Broad, open
areola

16
 Northern clearwater crayfish
Faxonius propinquus
One of the more common native tertiary burrowers in Michigan, they are found in
both the Upper and Lower peninsulas, in both fast-moving and stagnant waters.
These crayfish are not tolerant of water drawdown and are poor excavators of even
temporary burrows to escape drying out. Northern clearwater crayfish are most
abundant in bodies of water that offer large areas of cobble and boulders, but can
utilize vegetation, detritus and wood as alternate habitat when rusty crayfish are
present. Northern clearwater crayfish have been observed hybridizing with other
members of their genus, in particular rusty crayfish, which leads to concern over local
extirpation through hybridization with invasive rusty crayfish. The northern
clearwater crayfish’s is very similar in appearance to the rusty crayfish, with the most
notable differences being the lack of the rust- colored saddle, and the presence of a
median carina, a prominent notch in the middle of the rostrum.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Open, wide.

Rostrum: Margins straight with marginal spines; strong median carina.

Chela: Large; tips of fingers red or orange with black bands. Known range of
F. propinquus, 2020
Tubercles: Two rows of rounded tubercles along mesial margin of the palm region.

Gonopods: Two straight terminal elements

on form 1 gonopod, much more stout in
comparison with F. rusticus and F. virilis.

Habitat: Open water (tertiary burrowers),

preferring coarse substrates as
shelter. Will occupy vegetation
if rusty crayfish are present. Form 1
Chela gonopods
Color notes: A wide variety of
colors and patterns, including blue, Areola
orange, dark brown, and ochre. Rostrum
Most, however, have brown
claws, tan bodies and a shaded
saddle near the rear of the carapace. Tubercles
17
 Rusty crayfish
Faxonius rusticus INVASIVE

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Invasion details: It is often debated whether or not F. rusticus is native to the

southernmost watersheds of Lake Erie in Michigan; regardless, since the turn of the
20th century rusty crayfish have successfully spread to over 60% of watersheds in the
Upper and Lower peninsulas.

Open areola
No median carina
between marginal
spines on rostrum;
margins slightly
concave

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Rusty crayfish
Faxonius rusticus INVASIVE
Rusty crayfish are one of the most widespread invasive crayfish in the United States
and are one of the most abundant crayfish in the Great Lakes and Midwest. Rusty
crayfish are generalist tertiary burrowers, occupying fast-flowing streams, large
lakes, small ponds and offshore reefs in the Great Lakes. They prefer hard, rocky
substrates and will readily push native northern clearwater and virile crayfish out
of these habitats, forcing them to use less ideal vegetative habitat, if it’s available.
Rusty crayfish have been shown to alter macrophyte, fish, and invertebrate
communities, where they abound. In Michigan, rusty crayfish can reach large sizes,
with chelae significantly larger than similarly sized native crayfish.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Open; moderately wide.

Rostrum: Margins concave with marginal spines;

median carina absent.
Known range of
Chela: Large; tips of fingers orange with wide black bands. F. rusticus, 2020

Tubercles: Small tubercles on palm region and fingers.

Gonopods: Terminal elements of gonopod moderately long

and thin. Small shoulder at base of terminal elements.

Habitat: Open water (tertiary burrowers).

Common in lakes and streams; prefers to
occupy structures such as rocks and
boulders. Very territorial.

Color notes: Browns Chela

and tans common, with the addition Areola
of a rust or burgundy spot, or
saddle, near the rear of the
carapace. However, Rostrum
identification should not rely
solely on the presence of a rust Form 1
spot, as this spot might be hard Tubercles gonopods
to distinguish.
19
 Virile crayfish (northern crayfish)
Faxonius virilis

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Narrowly open
areola

No median carina
between parallel
marginal spines on
rostrum
Large forward-
facing tubercles
along mesial side
of palm and inside
of chelae dactyl

20
 Virile Crayfish (northern crayfish)
Faxonius virilis
Common large tertiary burrower widely distributed across the Upper and Lower
peninsulas. They are highly adaptable and often found in small streams, large rivers,
inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Preferring hard, rocky substrates, this species can
also shift its habitat to vegetative areas and detritus if necessary to avoid aggressive
interactions with northern clearwater crayfish and red swamp crayfish. Virile crayfish
have been observed occupying crude, shallow burrows in muddy river bottoms or
river banks during dry periods. Virile crayfish can grow quite large, with significantly
meatier tails than both northern clearwater and rusty crayfish. However, its chelae
are often reduced in comparison to its body size relative to those species.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Open, narrowly.
Rostrum: Slightly convex or straight margins that terminate in
strong marginal spines; median carina absent.

Chela: Large; often a hue of blue or green that contrasts with

the body.
Tubercles: Large, sharp tubercles along mesial margin of chela; Known range of
tubercles usually angled forward. F. virilis, 2020
Gonopods: Two long, slightly curved terminal elements on
form 1 gonopods.

Habitat: Open water (tertiary burrowers).

Often found under structures such as rocks
and logs. Smaller individuals often use
vegetation; larger individuals use
vegetation when rusty crayfish or
northern clearwater crayfish are present.

Color notes: Northern crayfish Areola

most commonly have a brown or
olive carapace and blue, or
green-hued chelae. Younger Chela
individuals might appear
more mottled. They can be Form 1
distinguished by rostrum gonopods
shape and lack of incision in Rostrum
dactyl. Tubercles

21
 Devil crayfish
Lacunicambarus diogenes

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Two to three rows

of large tubercles
on palm of chelae
Straight rostrum
termination; no
marginal spines;
suborbital angle
Closed areola

Image courtesy Greg Kelly

22
Devil crayfish
Lacunicambarus diogenes
Until recently L. diogenes was a catchall for many primary burrowing species across
much of the North American continent, including both the devil crayfish and
paintedhand mudbug, which are closely related. The devil crayfish is a large-
bodied, long-lived primary burrower. They are readily found in ditches, farm fields,
wet meadows, prairies, and floodplains in both the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
They are much less colorful than the paintedhand mudbug, often with red highlights
on the rostrum and chelae. They are smooth-bodied, usually colored tan, brown or
olive drab with chelae showcasing two rows of well-defined, robust mesial tubercles
and an additional row on the dorsal side.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Closed.
Rostrum: Terminates without marginal spines in a straight,
slightly downward angle. Has sub-orbital angle.

Chela: Large and robust.

Tubercles: Mesial margin of palm with two rows of rounded
tubercles and a third row on dorsal surface of palm.

Gonopods: Two short, sharply angled and sickle-shaped

terminal elements on form 1 gonopods. Known range of
L. diogenes, 2020
Habitat: Primary burrowers. Can be found in deep burrows
near ditch lines, wet fields, and other upland environments
with slow water nearby.

Color notes: Often red margins on

rostrum and chelae tips. Body is often
drab or dark brown.
Chela

Areola
Form 1
gonopods
Tubercles
Rostrum

23
 Paintedhand mudbug
Lacunicambarus polychromatus

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Closed areola
Small
scattered
tubercles
on palm of
chelae

Downward
deflected
rostrum with no
marginal spines

Image courtesy Jim Kosteva

24
Paintedhand mudbug
Lacunicambarus polychromatus
Large, long-lived primary burrower found throughout much of the southern Lower
Peninsula. This species is rarely observed in permanent water and spends most of
its life in deep, complex subterranean burrows. It is occasionally viewed at night
with its chelae outside its burrow, waiting on passing prey. It can be found in a
variety of habitats, from farm fields to ditches, and floodplains to wet meadows,
and its chimneys are a common sight in some suburban areas. The paintedhand
mudbug is easily identified by its strong, large claws with numerous tubercles on
the mesial side, a downwardly deflected rostrum, and closed areola. This is the
most colorful crayfish species in Michigan. Its carapace is most often olive, tan, and
brown with an occasional accent of purple, green, or blue. Painted hand mudbugs
have bright red and orange margins on the rostrum, claws, and tail segments, with
claws that are often tones of green, blue, and olive.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Closed.
Rostrum: Terminates without marginal spines in a steep
downward angle. Has suborbital angle.
Chela: Large and robust.
Tubercles: Dorsal surface of palm covered with many small, Known range of
round tubercles. L. polychromatus,
2020
Gonopods: Two short, sharply angled and sickle-
shaped terminal elements on form 1 gonopods.

Habitat: Primary burrowers. Can build deep

and some times complex burrows. Can
be seen hunting from the
mouth of its burrow at night.
Typically occupies ditch lines, Chela
wet fields, and upland
environments bordering slow Areola
or stagnant waters.

Color notes: Often found

with bright orange lines on the Form 1
rostrum and colorful gonopods
green/blue marks on the Tubercles
claws and tail. Rostrum

25
 White river crayfish
Procambarus acutus

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Open, narrow
areola; carapace
covered in small
tubercles

Strongly pointed
rostrum

Long, thin chelae

covered in black
tubercles
26
White river crayfish
Procambarus acutus
The white river crayfish, a secondary burrower, prefers stagnant wetlands, sluggish
streams and ditch-line habitats. Where found, they can be abundant and found in an
array of browns, tans, reds and ochres, with chelae and carapace covered in small
tubercles. This species often can be mistaken for invasive red swamp crayfish, which
are closely related. It can be distinguished from the invasive red swamp crayfish by
its having an open areola, generally thinner chelae and black tubercles on its chelae
instead of red. Anecdotal evidence indicates the white river crayfish appears to be
expanding its range within the state, as few watersheds had reports of this species
in the 20th century, but they are now commonly found as far north as Flint.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Open, narrowly.
Rostrum: Terminates in a strong point with weak marginal spines.
Chela: Long and thin; dorsal surface covered in black tubercles.
Tubercles: Carapace covered in small black tubercles.
Gonopods: Multiple thin, curved terminal elements on form Known range of
1 gonopods. P. acutus, 2020

Habitat: Secondary burrowers. Prefers sluggish to stagnant

waters. Burrows are often simple and shallow in the banks of
ditch lines. Often associated with calico crayfish.

Color notes: Ranging from black, olive drab

and tan to brown, red, or yellow. Tubercles
are black regardless of other color tones.
Often confused with red swamp crayfish.

Chela

Areola
Form 1
gonopods
Tubercles
Rostrum

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 Red swamp crayfish INVASIVE
Procambarus clarkii

Image courtesy Chris Lukhaup

Invasion details: The first observations and active response efforts in Michigan
occurred in 2017. As of 2021, red swamp crayfish had been found in over 30 Michigan
bodies of water in seven unique locations, with most of the observations occurring in
the southeast Lower Peninsula.

Closed areola; Strongly pointed

carapace rostrum; small
covered in small marginal spines
red tubercles

Robust chelae
covered in red
tubercles

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Red swamp crayfish
Procambarus clarkii INVASIVE
Recently discovered in Michigan waters, the red swamp crayfish is one of the most
widespread invasive crayfish on the planet. Native to the southern U.S., it has
invaded several other U.S. states as well as, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
In other parts of the world, red swamp crayfish have extirpated native crayfish and
invertebrates, affected amphibian populations, damaged and eroded levees, altered
vegetation communities and directly affected water quality through intensive
burrowing and foraging. As secondary burrowers, they exhibit a dynamic ability to
persist in a wide variety of ecological systems and disturbed areas. When surface
conditions become less hospitable, they quickly construct crude burrows that, due
to high population densities, can erode banks and upset wetland systems. It is
common for multiple females and a male to occupy a single burrow, each with their
own chamber, with the males occupying the deepest recess. Red swamp crayfish
look very similar to white river crayfish. They can be distinguished by noting their
closed areola, and red tubercles covering the carapace and chelae.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Areola: Closed.
Rostrum: Terminates in a strong point with weak marginal spines.
Chela: Long and thin; dorsal surface covered in red tubercles.
Tubercles: Carapace covered in small, red tubercles.
Gonopods: Multiple stout, robust, curved terminal
elements on form 1 gonopod. Areola
Habitat: Secondary burrowers. A generalist
but prefers sluggish to stagnant waters.
Burrows are often simple and shallow
where documented in Michigan. Burrows
often inhabited by multiple females
and single male.
Chela
Color notes: Body colors in Form 1
wild individuals range from Gonopods
crimson to olive, brown and
black. Individuals in the pet Rostrum
trade have been reported
being bright blue, white,
candy cane-colored and an
assortment of other unique
patterns.
Tubercles
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 Other prohibited species

Marbled crayfish
Marbled crayfish, also known as marmokreb (Procambarus virginalis), is an invasive
species threat that has the potential to harm Michigan’s natural resources and
economy. For this reason, it has been listed as a prohibited species in Michigan,
making it unlawful to possess, introduce, import, sell or offer the sale in the state.8
The marbled crayfish is a unique species believed to have been the result of aquarium
breeding. They can self-replicate and have aggressive behavioral traits, allowing for
rapid colonization when introduced into natural habitats. Introduction of a single
individual can result in the establishment and spread of a population. Marbled
crayfish can quickly dominate lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands. Introduced
populations of marbled crayfish in Madagascar and several European countries have
spread rapidly. They feed heavily on plants, snails, and amphibians, aggressively
competing with native species for food and habitat. In addition, they dig burrows,
which causes instability of riparian soils, increasing the potential for shoreline
erosion. Marbled crayfish are readily available in the aquarium trade, so there is a
high risk of introduction and spread
through the release of live unwanted
pets. Although they have not been
documented in Michigan, their
popularity in the aquarium trade
makes them a high risk for future
introductions. Marbled crayfish were
added to Michigan’s prohibited
species list and invasive species watch
list in May 2020.
Chucholl C. / CC BY-SA

Common yabby
Common yabby (Cherax destructor) is native to eastern Australia and has been
introduced into Western Australia and several countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Their spread is likely due to their availability in the live food and aquarium trades.
When introduced, yabby have the potential to displace native crayfish species, alter
habitat, consume large amounts of native aquatic species and spread disease. Yabby
can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions,
which allows them to establish and spread in new places.
No wild populations have been
documented in the United States; however, their
popularity in the aquarium trade raises concern over
potential introductions. To prevent future introductions,
yabby are prohibited in Michigan and most other states
and provinces in the Great Lakes region.
8: Michigan Invasive Species Order Amendment No. 1 of 2020. Approved May 14, 2020.
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 Invasive species regulations & reporting

Red swamp crayfish, yabby crayfish and marbled crayfish are listed as prohibited
species in Michigan, meaning they cannot be possessed, sold, imported, introduced
or transported live. Rusty crayfish, which are restricted in the state, may be harvested
for personal consumption (see below); however they are illegal to commercially
take, possess or sell. Invasive crayfish may not be used for bait, whether alive or dead,
on any private or public waters.

If you currently have live crayfish as part of a hobby or classroom aquarium, it is

important that they are properly euthanized by placing in the freezer, where they
will pass in their rest state. No individuals should be released into the wild or flushed
down drains as they can potentially survive and later reproduce in the wild, spurring
further infestations.

Any observations of red swamp, yabby or marbled crayfish should be reported to the
Michigan DNR Fisheries Division at DNR-Fisheries@Michigan.gov.

More information about watch list species and reporting can be found at the
Michigan invasive species website, Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Harvest regulations
• Native crayfish can be harvested in all waters open to fishing with the
possession of a recreational fishing license.

• Rusty crayfish may only be harvested and posessed live for personal
consumption.

• Fishing methods can include traps, nets, spears, hook and line, or hand
harvesting.

• All traps must display the owner’s name and address.

• There are no size or possession limits on crayfish.

• Native crayfish may be taken and used for bait except on the Michigan-
Wisconsin boundary waters.

• A license is required in order to take, possess, or transport crayfish for com-

mercial purposes. MCL 324.48732

• See the current Michigan Fishing Guide, available online at

Michigan.gov/FishingGuide for the most updated crayfish regulations.
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