AUTHORS: Calvin R. Rezac, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
ABSTRACT: In 2020, a genetic and morphological evaluation of the Rusty Gravedigger (Lacunicambarus miltus) by Glon et al. supported the elevation of two new species, the Banded Mudbug (L. freudensteini) and the Lonesome Gravedigger (L. mobilensis). Based on the published study by Glon et al., both species occur only in Mississippi and Alabama and were thought to be confined between the Pascagoula and Mobile Rivers. The reported range of both species is currently less than 1,000 km2 and are among the most-narrow ranged species within the state of Mississippi. With only 5 known localities for each species in the state, further efforts to determine the status and complete distribution were needed. Herein, we report on the results from a burrowing crayfish survey at novel sites within and outside the known range of both focal species in Southeastern Mississippi. Surveys took place between January-August 2024, and at each site we collected crayfish using hand excavation, slurp guns, and dip nets. Additional notes on habitat, burrow abundance, and soil composition were also recorded. In total, 104 sites (22 via boat) were surveyed and 21 species were captured including both target species. Banded Mudbug was capture at 11 sites within the known range of the species; however, we failed to expand the species into notable areas outside its range. Lonesome Gravedigger was found at 16 sites, but was notably found in areas more north and west than previously reported. The results of the survey help to improve the understanding of Mississippi burrowing crayfish distribution and status in the state. Notes on other newsworthy crayfish research at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science may also be discussed.
