Geology Reports⌕ Search

Geology topics

Zachary J. Loughman

Publications and source records attributed to Zachary J. Loughman.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2025

Observation of unusual neonate-clustering behavior on maternal Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish) after molting

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.

West Virginia↗
USGS2021

Epigean crayfish of the Potomac River Basin in West Virginia: Zoogeography, natural history and conservation

Crayfish are an aquatic fauna of conservation concern, yet regional studies are lacking on zoogeography and life history. We compared recent and historical species distribution data and assessed conservation standings of native and nonindigenous crayfish of the Potomac River Basin in West Virginia. From 2007–2011, a total of 1764 crayfish were collected from 159 sites. Data collection included species abundance, morphometrics, and life history parameters. Percentages of the number of individuals of each species of the total catch were 36.3% ( Cambarus bartonii ), 34.6% ( Faxonius obscurus ), 23.4% ( Faxonius virilis ), 3.6% ( Procambarus cf. zonangulus ) and 2.0% ( Cambarus carinirostris ). Cambarus bartonii was present throughout the drainage, F. obscurus was collected primarily from the North Branch, South Branch, and Cacapon river watersheds, and C. carinirostris was only collected in the South Branch watershed. Two nonnative species, F. virilis and P. cf. zonangulus , were only present in tributaries downstream of the Cacapon River watershed. Spinycheek crayfish ( Faxonius limosus ) were not collected during our survey, which suggests its possible extirpation from the West Virginia portion of its range. Our zoogeographic and life history data could serve as a baseline for future conservation-oriented monitoring efforts of the Potomac River watershed.

West Virginia↗
USGS2019

Cambarus fetzneri sp. nov., a new species of burrowing crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, USA

The disjunct distribution of Cambarus monongalensis has led to speculation about its taxonomic status. An Appalachian Plateau population occurs in northern and central West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and a mountain population occurs in the Allegheny Mountains and Ridge and Valley physiographic provinces of the Virginias. Herein we describe the mountain population as Cambarus fetzneri sp. nov. The two species differ genetically and morphologically, and have different color patterns. Specifically, C. fetzneri sp. nov. chelae lack extensive red coloration on the distal end of the propodus and dactyl, possess rostral margins that lack any red coloration, compared to C. monongalensis , which has extensive red coloration on the dactyl and propodus, as well as red rostral margins. Morphologically, the rostrum of C. fetzneri sp. nov. is shorter and wider than that of C. monongalensis . Also, adult C. fetzneri sp. nov. are considerably smaller in body size than those of C. monongalensis .

Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS2017

Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations for Cambarus callainus (Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians

1. Crayfish represent one of the most imperilled animal groups on the planet. Habitat degradation, destruction and fragmentation, introduction of invasive crayfishes, and a lack of applied biological information have all been identified as agents thwarting crayfish conservation. 2. Cambarus callainus was warranted federal protection by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in April, 2016. As part of the USFWS listing procedure, a survey for C. callainus in the Big Sandy River catchment was conducted to determine points of occurrence with a secondary objective of determining reach level physical habitat and physicochemical correlates of C. callainus presence and absence. 3. At each site, physicochemical and physical habitat data were collected to determine the influence of abiotic covariates on the presence of C. callainus . Cambarus callainus presence or absence and associated site covariates were modelled using logistic regression. 4. Survey results recorded C. callainus at 39 sites in the Upper Levisa Fork (ULF) and Tug Fork (TF) drainages of the Big Sandy River; no C. callainus were collected in the Lower Levisa Fork (LLF). An additive effects model of physical habitat quality (Basin + Boulder presence/embeddedness) was the only model selected, supporting an association of C. callainus with slab boulders, open interstitial spaces, and moderate to no sedimentation. All sites lacking C. callainus were experiencing some degree of sedimentation. Physicochemical covariates were not supported by the data. 5. Results indicated that good quality habitat was lacking in the LLF, but was present in the ULF and TF catchments, with ULF supporting the most robust populations and most suitable habitat. Effective conservation for C. callainus should focus on efforts that limit sedimentation as well as restore good quality instream habitat in the greater Big Sandy catchment.

Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS2017

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

Cambarus ( Cambarus ) appalachiensis is a stream-dwelling crayfish endemic to the greater New River basins of Virginia and West Virginia. The new species is morphologically most similar to Cambarus sciotensis. Cambarus appalachiensis can be differentiated from C. sciotensis 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. Cambarus sciotensis has 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 C. appalachiensis from C. sciotensis . Within the New, Gauley, and lower portions of the Greenbrier basins C. appalachiensis is the dominant tertiary burrowing Cambarus species, and as such, is considered stable across its range.

Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS2016

Environmental covariates associated with Cambarus veteranus (Decapoda: Cambaridae), an imperiled Appalachian crayfish endemic to West Virginia, USA

Cambarus veteranus Faxon, 1914 , a narrow endemic crayfish native to the Upper Guyandotte River Basin (UGB) in West Virginia, USA, was petitioned in 2014 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to be listed as endangered, but a status survey was recommended to determine if listing was warranted. During May and June 2015, surveys were undertaken across the UGB to determine the current distribution of the species. A total of 71 sites were sampled, including all streams where the species was previously recorded, as well as semi-randomly selected streams, with 1-9 125 m long sites sampled per wadeable stream. Physiochemical and physical habitat data (based on the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, QHEI) were obtained at each site to determine abiotic factors that were associated with the presence of C. veteranus . Site detection or non-detection of C. veteranus and associated site covariates were modeled using logistic regression to determine covariates associated with the presence of the species. Cambarus veteranus was present in both the Pinnacle Creek and Clear Fork/Laurel Fork watersheds at 10 sites, but it was not observed in the remaining 61 sites. An additive effects model with conductivity and QHEI was selected as the best approximating model. Cambarus veteranus was associated with lower than average UGB conductivity (379 µS) and high (>80) QHEI score. All sites where C. veteranus was not detected had higher conductivity and/or lower QHEI scores.

West Virginia↗
USGS2015

Upstream dispersal of an invasive crayfish aided by a fish passage facility

Fish passage facilities for reservoir dams have been used to restore habitat connectivity within riverine networks by allowing upstream passage for native species. These facilities may also support the spread of invasive species, an unintended consequence and potential downside of upstream passage structures. We documented dam passage of the invasive virile crayfish, Orconectes virilis (Hagen, 1870), at fish ladders designed for upstream passage of American eels, Anguilla rostrata (Lesueur, 1817), in the Shenandoah River drainage, USA. Ladder use and upstream passage of 11 virile crayfish occurred from 2007&ndash;2014 during periods of low river discharge (<30 m 3 s &ndash;1 ) and within a wide range of water temperatures from 9.0&ndash;28.6 &deg;C. Virile crayfish that used the eel ladders were large adults with a mean carapace length and width of 48.0 mm and 24.1 mm, respectively. Our data demonstrated the use of species-specific fish ladders by a non-target non-native species, which has conservation and management implications for the spread of aquatic invasive species and upstream passage facilities. Specifically, managers should consider implementing long-term monitoring of fish passage facilities with emphasis on detection of invasive species, as well as methods to reduce or eliminate passage of invasive species.

Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS2014

Physical habitat and water quality correlates of crayfish distributions in a mined watershed

In mined watersheds, water quality alters aquatic faunas, but few studies have focused on associations between stream habitat and crayfish distributions. We examined associations of water quality and physical habitat quality on presence/absence of six crayfish species in the upper Kanawha River drainage of southern West Virginia, USA, a region with a long history of surface and mountaintop removal mining of coal. Data supported an association of physical habitat quality with the presence of four species ( Cambarus carinirostris , Cambarus robustus , Cambarus cf. sciotensis , and Orconectes sanbornii ). Cambarus bartonii cavatus and the non-native Orconectes virilis were associated with lower quality physical habitat than that of the other four species. Relative to other species, C. b. cavatus was associated with the lowest conductivity values, whereas O. virilis was associated with the highest conductivity values. Secondary and tertiary burrowers were generally associated with relatively high-quality physical habitat. However, C. b. cavatus , a crayfish known to burrow extensively in headwater streams, was associated with the lowest quality physical habitat. Physical habitat quality was generally supported over stream conductivity as a variable influencing crayfish distributions. Our data demonstrate the importance of stream habitat quality when assessing crayfish assemblages within mined watersheds.

West Virginia↗
USGS2013

Cambarus (C.) hatfieldi , a new species of crayfish (Decapoda:Cambaridae) from the Tug Fork River Basin of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, USA

Cambarus ( Cambarus ) hatfieldi is a stream-dwelling crayfish that appears to be endemic to the Tug Fork River system of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky. Within this region, it is prevalent in all major tributaries in the basin as well as the Tug Fork River&rsquo;s mainstem. The new species is morphologically most similar to Cambarus sciotensis and Cambarus angularis. It can be differentiated from C. sciotensis by its squamous, subtrinagular chelae compared to the elongate triangular chelae of C. sciotensis ; its shorter palm length/palm depth ratio (1.9) compared to C. sciotensis (2.3); and a smaller areola length/total carapace length ratio (30.4% vs.36.5% respectively). Cambarus hatfieldi can be differentiated from C. angularis by its smaller areola length/total carapace length ratio (30.4% vs. 36.7% respectively); a smaller rostrum width/rostral length ratio (59.4% vs. 67.2% respectively); its rounded abdominal pleura as compared to the subtruncated pleura of C . angularis ; the length of the central projection and mesial process of C . hatfieldi which both extend to the margin of the gonopod shaft or slightly beyond the margin compared to the central projection of C. sciotensis and C. angularis where both extend well beyond the margin of the gonopod shaft.

Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS2013

Baited lines: An active nondestructive collection method for burrowing crayfish

A new method (baited lines) is described for the collection of burrowing crayfishes, where fishing hooks baited with earthworms and tied to monofilament leaders are used to lure crayfishes from their burrow entrances. We estimated capture rates using baited lines at four locations across West Virginia for a total of four crayfish taxa; the taxa studied were orange, blue, and blue/orange morphs of Cambarus dubius (Upland Burrowing Catfish), and C. thomai (Little Brown Mudbug). Baited-line capture rates were lowest for C. thomai (81%; n = 21 attempts) and highest for the orange morph of C. dubius (99%; n = 13 attempts). The pooled capture rate across all taxa was 91.5% ( n = 50 attempts). Baited lines represent an environmentally nondestructive method to capture burrowing crayfishes without harm to individuals, and without disturbing burrows or the surrounding area. This novel method allows for repeat captures and long-term studies, providing a useful sampling method for ecological studies of burrowing crayfishes.

Southeastern Naturalist↗
USGS2012

Occupancy rates of primary burrowing crayfish in natural and disturbed large river bottomlands

Among crayfish, primary burrowing species are the least understood ecologically. Many primary burrowing crayfish inhabit floodplains where forested landscapes have been fragmented by agricultural, industrial, or residential uses. In this study, site occupancy rates (&psi;) were modeled for two primary burrowing crayfish, Fallicambarus fodiens (Cottle, 1863) and Cambarus thomai Jezerinac, 1993, from Ohio and Kanawha river floodplains in West Virginia, U.S.A. Fallicambarus fodiens is one of West Virginia&rsquo;s rarest crayfish, while C. thomai is prevalent in most wetlands along both river floodplains. Occupancy rate modeling incorporated four environmental covariates (forest age, soil type, tree frequency, and land use). Based on presence/absence data, forests with tree ages >100 years (&Delta;QAICc = 0) and sites with loam soils (&Delta;QAICc = 1.80) were most likely to harbor F. fodiens populations. For C. thomai, several models were supported owing to model selection uncertainty, but those with the land use covariate had more total model weight (total w i = 0 . 54 ) than all other covariate models. Cambarus thomai rarely occupied industrial/agricultural sites, but were often present in forested and residential sites. Although the influence of covariates on site occupancy differed between species, both taxa readily utilized mature forested habitats when available. Conservation actions for F. fodiens and C. thomai should focus on preserving forested tracts along large river floodplains

Journal of Crustacean Biology↗
USGS2011

Cambarus (Puncticambarus) smilax , a new species of crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Greenbrier River basin of West Virginia

Cambarus ( Puncticambarus ) smilax is a stream-dwelling crayfish that appears to be endemic to the Greenbrier River basin in the Valley and Ridge province of West Virginia. Within the Greenbrier system it occurs primarily in tributaries to the Greenbrier mainstem, with stable populations in the East and West Fork, and Thorny, Knapp, and Deer creeks. The new species is morphologically most similar to C. ( P. ) robustus , from which it can be distinguished by a combination of the following characters: adult palm length comprising 73&ndash;76% of palm width as opposed to 63&ndash;70% in C. ( P. ) robustus ; ventral surface of chela of cheliped with 0&ndash;2 subpalmar tubercles compared to 3&ndash;6 subpalmar tubercles in C. ( P. ) robustus ; lack of tubercles on the dorsal surface of chela; longer, more tapering, less rectangular rostrum (47&ndash;52% rostrum width/length ratio) compared to C. ( P. ) robustus shorter, less tapering rectangular rostrum (54&ndash;63% rostrum width/length ratio); and the central projection of the form-I male gonopod curved &le;90 degrees to the shaft.

West Virginia↗
USGS2010

Distribution and conservation standing of West Virginia crayfishes

The diversity of crayfishes in West Virginia represents a transition between the species-rich southern Appalachian faunas and the depauperate crayfish diversity in the northeastern United States. Currently, 22 described species occur in the state, of which 6 are given S1 status, and 3 are introduced species. One species, Orconectes limosus (Spinycheek Crayfish) is considered extirpated within the past decade. Imperiled species include Cambarus veteranus (Big Sandy Crayfish), Cambarus elkensis (Elk River Crayfish), Cambarus longulus (Atlantic Slope Crayfish), and Cambarus nerterius (Greenbrier Cave Crayfish). Three species— O. virilis (Virile Crayfish), Orconectes rusticus (Rusty Crayfish), and Procambarus zonangulus (Southern White River Crawfish)—have introduced populations within the state. Procambarus acutus (White River Crawfish) occurs in bottomland forest along the Ohio River floodplain, and is considered native. Several undescribed taxa have been identified and currently are being described. A statewide survey was initiated in 2007 to document the current distribution and conservation status of crayfishes in West Virginia.

West Virginia↗
USGS2009

West Virginia crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae): observations on distribution, natural history, and conservation

West Virginia's crayfishes have received moderate attention since publication of Jezerinac et al.'s ( 1995 ) monograph of the state fauna. Survey efforts were initiated over the summers of 2006 and 2007 to gather voucher material for the Indiana Biological Survey's Crustacean Collection. These collections have provided new information regarding the distribution, natural history, life history, taxonomy, and conservation status of Cambarus (Cambarus) carinirostris, C. (C.) bartonii cavatus, C. (C.) sciotensis, C. (Hiaticambarus) chasmodactylus, C. (H.) elkensis, C. (H.) longulus, C. (Jugicambarus) dubius, C. (Puncticambarus) robustus, Orconectes (Procericambarus) cristavarius , and O. (P.) rusticus. Orconectes (Faxonius) limosus has apparently been extirpated from West Virginia and should be removed from the state's list of extant crayfishes.

West Virginia↗