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Hubbs' Crayfish

Cambarus hubbsi
Family: 
Cambaridae (freshwater crayfish) in the order Decapoda (shrimp, crabs, and lobsters)
Description: 

This powerfully built crayfish is usually olive-tan or reddish brown, without prominent spots or blotches. A narrow blackish band is present at the junction of the carapace and abdomen. The carapace of Hubbs' crayfish is broad and dorsally flattened and is separated at its middle by a space (areola). Hubbs' crayfish is distinguished from other stream crayfish within its range by the broad, dorsally flattened carapace, unusually powerful pincers, and nearly uniform color without spots or blotches.

Size: 
Adult length: about 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches.
Habitat and conservation: 
Hubbs' crayfish occurs in the pools and riffles of clear, permanent streams, in burrows that it digs in gravel beneath large rocks. It is seldom seen in the open, but probably emerges from its burrow at night to feed.
Distribution in Missouri: 
This crayfish occurs in streams on the southern slope of the Ozark Uplands, from Big Creek in Iron County west to the James River in Greene and Christian counties.

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