Faxonius virilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Faxonius virilis |
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| Adult | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Faxonius
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| Species: |
virilis
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Faxonius virilis is a species of crayfish known as the virile crayfish, northern crayfish, eastern crayfish, and lesser known as the lake crayfish or common crawfish. Faxonius virilis was reclassified in August 2017, and the genus was changed from Orconectes to Faxonius. It is native to eastern United States and southeast Canada.
Ecology
Faxonius virilis can be found under stones and logs in lakes, streams, and wetlands, where they hide from predators, such as fish. They are identified by the brown of rust-red carapace and large chelipeds, which are usually blue in colour. Faxonius virilis feeds on a wide range of plants and invertebrates, as well as tadpoles and even small fish.
Distribution
Faxonius virilis is found in southern Canada from Alberta to Quebec and in the northern United States, but has become an invasive species in parts of North America outside its native range, and was discovered in the United Kingdom in 2008. It is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Uses
Faxonius virilis is used as fishing bait and as food for humans, and also as aquarium food for carnivorous fish.
