05/09/2026
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Over 5 years ago, the WLU Crayfish Lab asked for help from our followers regarding a study we were conducting on the distribution of the Blue Crawfish, Cambarus monongalensis. This work is still ongoing, and that 2020 post gave us critical information that helped us learn more about this species. We are back again hoping for some more information from you all! If you have seen one of these crawdads in Southwestern Pennsylvania or West Virginia, please comment on this post or send us a message with the approximate location where you have seen these animals! We are especially interested in observations of this species from the following Pennsylvania Counties: Fayette, Westmoreland, Indiana, Armstrong, Butler, and Lawrence.
This species is a burrower, so it is unlikely to be found in a stream or creek. Instead, they dig underground burrows next to streams or anywhere else where they can reach the water below. They often build structures at the top of their burrows called chimneys (see photo), which are indicative of burrowing crayfish. A few species in our area can make chimneys, but we would love to know if you have also seen these structures!
We appreciate all the information you may have to share with us!
