Monday, June 4, 2007 - 2:30 PM
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Life history of Cambarus (Hiaticambarus) elkensis in Left Fork Holly River, West Virginia, USA

Danny R. Jones and Arnold G. Eversole. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

Cambarus (H.) elkensis, a species of Special Concern in West Virginia, is endemic to the upper Elk River and Birch River drainages. Aspects of the species’ life history were examined at one site on Left Fork Holly River during 2003 and 2004. The species lives to five years, reaches sexual maturity at about 33 months, and may reproduce three times or more. Form I males were present throughout the study, and were most abundant in October 2003. Ovigerous females were found in June 2003 and a female with live young was found in October 2003. Form I males and reproductive females were heavier and had larger chelae than non-reproductive counterparts when adjusted for carapace length. Reproductive females were identified by the presence of developed glair glands and when compared to non-reproductive females were found to have a larger abdominal width, suggesting the existence of reproductive form alteration in females.

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