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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Ditch Fencing Crayfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Shield Crayfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Faxonella clypeata has a small body with a bullet shaped carapace tapering at the head. The rostrum is broad and without lateral spines or tubercles. This specie’s color is a reddish-tan to olive-tan with two back lines or dashes extending longitudinally along the dorsal surface of carapace and abdomen. The ventral side is tan to white (Morehouse and Tobler 2013).

Native Range:

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: This species during dry periods will burrow into the mud instead of migrating (Smith 1953).

Means of Introduction: Bait buckets

Remarks: In Oklahoma, Faxonella clypeata closely resembles and is similar in life history characteristics as Faxonella blairi (Morehouse and Tobler 2013).

References: (click for full references)

Morehouse, R. L., and M. Tobler. 2013. Crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae) of Oklahoma: identification, distributions, and natural history. Zootaxa 3717: 101-157

Smith, E.W. 1953. The life history of the crawfish Orconectes (Faxonella) clypeata (Hay) (Decapoda, Astacidae). Tulane studies in Zoology, 1: 79–96.

Author: Daniel, W.M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.