Observation of Unusual Neonate-Clustering Behavior on Maternal Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish) After Molting

Anna M. Welsh¹, Zachary J. Loughman², Zackary A. Graham², and Paula F.P. Henry^1,*

¹US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, MD 20708. ²West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074. *Corresponding author.

Northeastern Naturalist, Volume 32, Issue 2 (2025): N12–N17

First published early online: 10 May 2025

Abstract
Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish) is one of the largest crayfish species occurring in the Appalachian Mountains and occupies a niche similar to several highly imperiled crayfishes within the same region. While conducting a controlled mesocosm study assessing the impacts of contaminants on crayfish growth, development, and reproductive status, we recorded an observation where New River Crayfish neonates clustered around the head of an untreated, reference maternal crayfish after molting. This neonate head-clustering behavior did not appear to impact the female during the 3-week period the behavior was observed. Further observations are needed to determine if this behavior occurs across other crayfish species, and if it is displayed outside of captive conditions.

Download Full-text pdf (Accessible only to subscribers. To subscribe click here.)