Overview
Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) are native to streams in the Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee region. Spread by anglers who use them as bait, rusty crayfish are prolific and can severely reduce lake and stream vegetation, depriving native fish and their prey of cover and food. They also reduce native crayfish populations.
General Resources Exotic Crayfish Research Illinois Natural History Survey, Center for Biodiversity These studies, briefly described in the INHS's 1994-1995 annual report, assess the range of the rusty crayfish in Illinois and its impact on native Illinois species.
Rusty Crayfish: A Nasty Invader Minnesota Sea Grant Program This 1994 fact sheet provides an overview of the rusty crayfish, including its origin and distribution, life history, food habits, potential impacts, control efforts and identifcation.
Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) are native to streams in the Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee region. Spread by anglers who use them as bait, rusty crayfish are prolific and can severely reduce lake and stream vegetation, depriving native fish and their prey of cover and food. They also reduce native crayfish populations.
