species identification resources

[cryptobranchidae]

I've been interested in crayfish for a few years now and so far Missouri and the surrounding area has kept me busy but, now I'm finding myself doing crayfish field trips further and further from home. My issue is, a lack of references for species identification and information. Although, I must admit that, this lack of available information, and the seemingly vast amounts of scientific work to be done with crayfish, is something I find very intriguing about them. Regardless, I would like to arm myself with as much information as possible while exploring North America's crayfish. So, if you are so inclined, please take a moment and list your publications and references.

Here are a few I have:

The Crayfishes of Missouri, Pflieger, W. L. 1996

The Crayfishes of Kentucky, Taylor, C. A., and G. A. Schuster 2004

The Crayfishes and Shrimps (Decapoda) of Illinois, Page, L. M. 1985 (Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin)

A Reassessment of the Conservation Status of Crayfishes of the United States and Canada after 10+ Years of Increased Awareness. Taylor, C. A. et. al. 2007 (Fisheries)

Thanks very much,

Michael Cravens
michaelcravens.com

[Dan Johnson]

Michael,

You might browse the various state pages accessable from http://iz.carnegiemnh.org/crayfish/coun ... _state.htm. Each state has a list of references.

Since most states are seriously understudied, you might consider doing a state at some point. Has that crossed your mind?

Good luck!

--Dan