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Summer food habits of female new river crayfish (Cambarus chasmodactylus) in Anthony Creek, West Virginia
Fagundo RA and Loughman ZJ 
Published Online: 12/31/2015
Abstract
Cambarus chasmodactylus is restricted to the New River drainage of the Central Appalachians. Female crayfish display cyclic reproductive states, but the ecological implications of this cycle have yet to be assessed. Female C. chasmodactylus were collected from Anthony Creek, West Virginia during the summer months to investigate food habits. Stomach content frequencies were obtained for four broad categories. Food items were identified to the lowest taxonomic level applicable. Feeding spectra were used to assess the importance of prey items. Generalized linear models were used to assess the effects of season, body size, and reproductive state on broad food categories, amount of food consumed, and the frequency of the most abundant prey item. The most food was consumed during June and the least in August. Organic detritus was consumed most frequently and reached its highest frequency in late summer. Animal matter was consumed more frequently by larger animals. Snails were the most predominate animal ingested, showing lower frequencies in June and September in comparison to August and October. Results indicate New River crayfish are feeding generalists and food habits changed with season. There is indication that body size and reproductive state may have a direct or indirect link to food habits.
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How to Cite
Fagundo RA and Loughman ZJ. (2015). Summer food habits of female new river crayfish (Cambarus chasmodactylus) in Anthony Creek, West Virginia. Freshwater Crayfish 21(1):95-101. doi: 10.5869/fc.2015.v21-1.95
Author Information
Raquel A. Fagundo,* Biology, Appalachian State University, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, North Carolina, United States28608. E-mail: raquel.fagundo@gmail.com
Zachary J. Loughman, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, West Liberty University, Campus Service Center Box 139, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States26074. E-mail: zloughman@westliberty.edu
Corresponding Author indicated by an *.
Publication History
Manuscript Submitted: 6/24/2015
Manuscript Accepted: 12/11/2015
Published Online: 12/31/2015
Published in Print: 12/31/2015
Funding Information
No specific funding statement is available for this article.