Orconectes leptogonopodus Hobbs, 1948

Morehouse, Reid L. & Tobler, Michael, 2013, Crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae) of Oklahoma: identification, distributions, and natural history, Zootaxa 3717 (2), pp. 101-157 : 129

Orconectes leptogonopodus Hobbs, 1948 : Little River Creek Crayfish

General charateristics. Adults rarely exceed 80 mm in total length and the areola is open. The rostrum has a slight depression and lateral spines and margins that are slightly thickened. Chelae are somewhat broad and have a thick or inflated palm region. In form I males, gonopods are slender with the central process consisting of at least 1/2 of the total length (Hobbs, 1948).

Life coloration. The background color is uniform gray to brown. Hints of red throughout the abdomen, usually along the edges are present ( Figure 53 ). The telson occasionally has some red coloration near the base. The ventral side is cream to white.

Similar species. In Oklahoma, O. leptogonopodus closely resembles O. menae , from which it can be distinguished based on the length of the gonopods, as the central process is at least 1/2 of the total length of the gonopods in form I males.

Distribution and habitat. Orconectes leptogonopodus occurs in the Little River drainage in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. Our ecological niche model confirms the high endemism of this species, as only the Little River drainage is indicated to have suitable environmental conditions ( Figure 54 ). This species is found in small rocky streams with clear water in fast flowing water and is a tertiary burrower (Williams, 1954).

Life history. Form I and II males and females have been collected from September through November. As with other closely related species, it is likely that spawning occurs during the fall and early winter months.

Syntopic species. Orconectes menae , Orconectes palmeri longimanus , and Procambarus tenuis .

Conservation status. AFS: Currently Stable; Heritage Rank: Apparently Secure (G4); IUCN: Least Concern; ODWC: Not Listed.

Additional resources. Dyer et al. (2013).

Figures

FIGURES 53 – 60. 53. Orconectes leptogonopodus 54. Potential distribution of Orconectes leptogonopodus 55. Orconectes macrus 56. Potential distribution of Orconectes macrus 57. Orconectes menae 58. Potential distribution of Orconectes menae 59. Orconectes meeki brevis 60. Potential distribution of Orconectes meeki brevis.