Crayfish, crawfish, crawdad : the biology and conservation of North America's favorite crustaceans / Zackary A. Graham.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Graham, Zackary A., Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Crayfish--United States--Popular works.

Crayfish.

Crayfish--Ecology--Popular works.

Crayfish--Conservation--Popular works.

Endangered species--United States.

Endangered species.

Genre:

Popular works

Place of Publication:

University of North Carolina Press, 2025.

Summary:

"Whatever you call them - crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads - these small crustaceans are a vital piece of the larger ecosystem, and though they're found nationwide, the American Southeast and Appalachia are among the most biodiverse places for these animals. Biologist and crayfish expert Zackary Graham takes readers on an informative journey, following crayfish from the coalfields of Central Appalachia to the spring-fed waters of Northern California, and in roadside ditches everywhere in between. He discusses crayfish habitats - the muddier the better - anatomy, and coloration, which runs the gamut from dull grays to vivid blues, reds, and even bright white. Most important, Graham shows how necessary crayfish are to our ecosystem and rallies a call for protection as nearly 200 of the 400 unique species of crayfish in the United States are threatened by development, pollution, and other human-made factors. A love letter to a common crustacean, this book shows nature lovers that crayfish are diverse, important, and in need of our help"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

An Introduction to crayfish

Mystery of the mudbugs

Ecosystem engineers and keystone species

Crayfish brains and crayfish benders

Communicating with urine

Aquatic invaders

Pacifastacus: the crayfishes of the Pacific Northwest

Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus: the crayfish in the coalfields

Describing (and conserving) the future of crayfish.

ISBN:

1-4696-8575-2

1-4696-8574-4