The Conhaway Crayfish (Cambarus (C.) appalachiensis), a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the New River Basin of Virginia and West Virginia, USA.

Authors

  • Zachary J. Loughman West Liberty University, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, P.O. Box 295, West Liberty, West Virginia, 26074
  • Stuart A. Welsh U.S. Geological Survey, West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 322 Percival Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506
  • Roger F. Thoma Midwest Biodiversity Institute, 4673 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, Ohio, 43026

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v89i1.236

Abstract

The Conhaway Crayfish is a stream-dwelling species endemic to the greater New River basins of Virginia and West Virginia. The new species is morphologically most similar to the Teays River Crayfish (Cambarus sciotensis). Conhaway Crayfish can be differentiated from Teays River Crayfish by its more elongated chelae which possess a single mesial row of tubercles, reduced to no tuberculation on the dorsal-longitudinal ridge of the dactyl, and reduced lateral impression. Teays River Crayfish have a more subrectangular chelae with two rows of mesial margin tubercles on the chelae, as well as both a pronounced dorsal-longitudinal ridge and pronounced lateral impression. Several chelae meristic ratios also differentiate Conhaway Crayfish from Teays River Crayfish. Within the New, Gauley, and lower portions of the Greenbrier basins Conhaway Crayfish are the dominant tertiary burrowing Cambarus species, and as such, the species is considered stable across its range. 

Author Biography

Zachary J. Loughman, West Liberty University, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, P.O. Box 295, West Liberty, West Virginia, 26074

Associate Professor of Biology

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Published

2017-04-04

How to Cite

Loughman, Z. J., Welsh, S. A., & Thoma, R. F. (2017). The Conhaway Crayfish (Cambarus (C.) appalachiensis), a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the New River Basin of Virginia and West Virginia, USA. Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science, 89(1). https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v89i1.236

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Section

Meeting Abstracts-Oral