CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WVPREPBB) — Almost any species of crayfish can occasionally mutate to display a blue color, but West Virginia is home to four distinct species that are almost always blue.
A Haven for Blue Crayfish
12 News interviewed Zachary Loughman, a crayfish expert and Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at West Liberty University. Loughman revealed that there are about 10 blue crayfish species, and West Virginia is one of the best places to observe them.
How to Spot Blue Crayfish
All four blue species in West Virginia are burrowing crayfish. Unlike other crayfish, they don’t inhabit creeks and streams but instead dig burrows down to the groundwater to keep their gills wet. Loughman advises that your best chance to see them is during the spring, from March to early June, especially after rain. They are most active at night, so the best approach is to locate a burrow during the day and return with a flashlight after dark.
The entrances to their burrows are marked by small “chimneys” made of mud, typically found on hillsides, in ditches, and in swamps. During his research, Loughman’s team sometimes had to dig up to six feet underground to find these burrowing crayfish, particularly later in the spring and summer months.
Distinct Species Across the State
Each of West Virginia’s four blue crayfish species is unique and found in different regions:
- Blue Crayfish (Cambarus monongalensis): Discovered over 100 years ago, this species is the most widespread in West Virginia. It inhabits the Allegheny Plateau in northern West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It is identifiable by the bright red tips on its claws, and about half of its population lives in West Virginia.
- Allegheny Mountain Mudbug: Named in 2019, this is the smallest blue crayfish in West Virginia, growing to about an inch long. It is commonly seen outside of burrows in higher elevations like Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, making it the most visible species.
- Blue Teays Mudbug (Cambarus loughmani): Found in the Teays Valley area along Interstate 64 between Charleston and Huntington, and along the Kanawha River. Its blue color varies from pale blue to almost purple. This species is exclusive to West Virginia.
- Meadow River Mudbug: Located in high-elevation wetlands from Union in Monroe County to Lewisburg in Greenbrier County, this “chunky” crayfish has white claws and a distinctive plate between its eyes. It is also exclusive to West Virginia.
The Importance of Naming Species
Of the four blue crayfish species in West Virginia, three were officially named within the last decade: Meadow River Mudbug in 2015, Blue Teays Mudbug in 2018, and Allegheny Mountain Mudbug in 2019. Loughman has been instrumental in naming these species, with the Blue Teays Mudbug named in his honor.
Naming new species is crucial for conservation efforts, as a species cannot receive state or federal protections without a proper name. Accurate naming helps prevent different species from being lumped together, which can lead to inaccurate data and hinder conservation.
Conservation and Environmental Impact
Loughman noted that the Blue Crayfish and Allegheny Mountain Mudbug have stable populations. However, the Blue Teays Mudbug and Meadow River Mudbug face more significant threats due to their habitats in developed and agricultural areas, respectively.
Blue crayfish and other burrowing crayfish play vital roles in their ecosystems. Their burrows, which can be up to 30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, provide refuge for various animals during hot weather and serve as water sources during droughts. This presence of crayfish increases biodiversity in their habitats.
Future Research and Conservation
Loughman and his lab are working on compiling their research into a book to serve as a resource for naturalists and enthusiasts. They are also in the process of naming several other crayfish species, including a blueish-purple one in southern West Virginia with bright orange claws.
Loughman emphasized the cultural importance of crayfish in West Virginia and the need to preserve them for future generations. If you encounter a blue crayfish in West Virginia, you can share photos with Loughman’s lab at West Liberty University via their Facebook page, The Loughman Lab – WLU Crayfish Conservation Laboratory, or by emailing Loughman directly at zloughman@westliberty.edu. The lab collaborates with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for conservation efforts.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
