Allocrangonyx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allocrangonyx |
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Allocrangonyctidae
Holsinger, 1989
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Allocrangonyx
Schellenberg, 1936
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Allocrangonyx is a group of tiny creatures called amphipods. They are a type of crustacean, like a tiny shrimp. These special animals live deep in caves and underground waters in the South Central United States. They are known as troglobites because they spend their whole lives in dark places.
There are two known species of Allocrangonyx. Both are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This means they are at risk of disappearing if we don't protect their homes.
What Makes Allocrangonyx Special?
These amazing creatures have adapted to life in the dark. They are completely blind and have no color (unpigmented). This is because they don't need eyes or camouflage in their dark cave homes.
One cool thing about the males is their third uropod (a part of their tail). It grows very long, sometimes even longer than their whole body! This long tail helps them move around in their underground world.
Allocrangonyx pellucidus: The Oklahoma Cave Amphipod
Allocrangonyx pellucidus is often called the "Oklahoma cave amphipod." You can find it in caves and springs within the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma. Specifically, it lives in Johnston, Murray, and Pontotoc counties.
The largest males of this species can grow up to about 21.75 millimeters (which is less than an inch). Females are a bit smaller, reaching about 18 millimeters long.
Allocrangonyx hubrichti: The Missouri and Arkansas Amphipod
Allocrangonyx hubrichti has a few nicknames, like the "Central Missouri cave amphipod" or "Hubricht's long-tailed amphipod." For many years, people thought this species only lived in Missouri.
However, in 1996, scientists found some specimens about 283 kilometers (176 miles) away! They were discovered in a water well near Romance, in White County, Arkansas. This was a big surprise!
Most of the time, these amphipods are found in Ordovician limestones and dolomites. But the well in Arkansas was drilled into Pennsylvanian age sandstone. This shows how adaptable these tiny creatures can be!
