Classification: Nongame Fish - Crustacean
National Range: Extreme Northwestern North Carolina
NC Physiographic Region(s): northwestern mountains
River Basin(s): New (New-Kanawha endemic)
Adult Habitat: fast-flowing, cold, clear water; under medium-large rocks; gravel substrate
Reproductive Season: fall (more?)
Species associates: C. bartonii, C. chasmodactylus, C. robustus, (possibly C. sp. A, others?)
Conservation status: not protected
Identification references: Taylor 2000, Cooper and Cooper 1995
Illustration reference: Taylor 2000
Taxonomic Description:
Crayfish Regulations (PDF)
The following illustration is reproduced from: Taylor, C.A. 2000. Systematic studies of the Orconectes juvenilis complex (Decapoda: Cambaridae), with descriptions of two new species. The Journal of Crustacean Biology, 20(1): 132-152.
Fig. 14. Orconectes cristavarius, new species: A, mesial view of first pleopod of form I male; B, caudal view of first pleopods of form I male; C, lateral view of first pleopod of form II male; D, annulus ventralis; E, dorsal view of right antennal scale; F, dorsal view of carapace; G, dorsal view of right chela; H, dorsal view of right chela. A, E, F, G of holotype (INHS 6883); B, topotype (INHS 6881); C, morphotype (INHS 6888); D allotype (INHS 6890); H, INHS 6873.
Credit NCWRC for all photos.