The update and optimization of an eDNA assay to detect the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA shed into the environment, and amplifying this DNA can serve as a reliable, noninvasive way to monitor aquatic systems for the presence of an invasive species. Assays based on the collection of eDNA are becoming increasingly popular, and, when optimized, can aid in effectively and efficiently tracking invasion fronts. We set out to update an eDNA assay to detect the invasive rusty crayfish, Faxonius rusticus. We tested for species specificity compared to other stream crayfish and field tested the assay at sites with known presence (N = 3) and absence (N = 4) in the Juniata River watershed in central Pennsylvania, USA. To maximize sensitivity, we field tested different storage buffers (Longmire’s buffer and ethanol), DNA extraction methods (Qiagen’s DNEasy and PowerWater kits), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) chemistries (TaqMan and SYBR green). Our assay confirmed the presence data and performed optimally when filter samples were stored in Longmire’s buffer, DNA was extracted with DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, and TaqMan qPCR chemistry was utilized. With proper sample processing, our assay allows for accurate, noninvasive detection of F. rusticus in streams.

Parasites differentially impact crayfish personality in different contexts

The expression of an individual animal’s behaviour can be placed along many different personality spectra. Parasite load can alter animal behaviour and, thus, fitness. The personality traits of rusty crayfish, Faxonius rusticus, were analysed in three different behavioural contexts: foraging, exploration, and threatened. Each crayfish was tested in each context 3 times, giving a total of 9 assays per crayfish. After assays were completed, crayfish were dissected, and the hepatopancreas of each crayfish was photo analysed to determine the parasite load of the trematode, Microphallus spp. A composite personality score for each assay and parasite load was loaded into a PCA. The PCA model showed that as parasite load increased, crayfish became bolder in threatening contexts and less exploratory in novel environments, whether or not a food stimulus was present. Thus, parasite load alters the placement of crayfish on different personality spectra, but this change is context specific.

The unreliable concept of native range as applied to the distribution of the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in North America

The concept of native range in invasion biology is difficult to define since, in many cases, this type of range is unknown and cannot be determined. We investigate the uncertainties related to this concept by focusing on the distribution of Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852), also known as the rusty crayfish, which is perceived as possibly the worst invasive crayfish species in North America. In this study, we undertake a comprehensive literature review, which includes 430 studies published between 1852 and 2018, in order to analyze the native and introduced ranges of this species. The rusty crayfish was reported to occur in 33 states in the U.S.A. and 3 Canadian Provinces. Ten of these U.S. states and one Canadian Province have been included multiple times in both the native and the non-native ranges of this crayfish. The confusion regarding the limits and history of the native range of the rusty crayfish has implications for the conservation of this species in various jurisdictions. This review also demonstrates that even for intensely studied species perceived as invasive, we often do not have a clear understanding of essential concepts such as native and non-native range.

Big and bad: how relative predator size and dietary information influence rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) behavior and resource-use decisions

Prey animals use the information that they extract from predator cues to assess risk. Animals can obtain information about the relative size of predators and their dietary constituents from odor cues that predators deposit in the environment. However, it is currently unknown how prey animals respond when presented with two or more pieces of information about a predator. Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852)) were exposed to odors from predatory largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802)) that were fed four different diets and also varied in size relative to the crayfish subjects. A series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that rusty crayfish altered their macrophyte consumption, foraging behavior, and shelter-use behavior depending on the relative size and dietary information presented by the largemouth bass. This study demonstrates that prey consider and respond to multiple aspects of a predatory threat when making resource-use decisions.

Density-Dependent Escapement of Rusty Crayfish from Modified Minnow Traps with Varying Throat Configurations

Modified minnow traps are the most widely used gear for collecting tertiary burrowing crayfishes. The throats of modified minnow traps are often widened more than 60% to accommodate the capture of larger crayfish. However, widening this crucial chokepoint into the trap may facilitate easier escape of captured individuals, especially as density in the trap increases. Increased escapement rates may reduce catch rates and corresponding estimates of relative abundance and lower detection probability. Incorporating a design feature, that is, throat restriction, that allows entry of all sizes of crayfish while reducing escapement would be an improvement over current designs. Here, I present the results of a paired field and laboratory experiment comparing the effectiveness of modified minnow traps with a throat restriction (restricted) and without such a feature (unrestricted) under varying crayfish densities. I chose rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus as a study organism because it is widespread and abundant in the Laurentian Great Lakes region and commonly the focus of research and removal efforts. Rusty crayfish capture and escapement were strongly influenced by throat design and crayfish densities. The field component demonstrated that both traps performed similarly under low-to-moderate densities; however, at high densities catch in unrestricted traps plateaued at approximately 50 crayfish/trap, while restricted traps kept accumulating catch up to 155 crayfish/trap. Laboratory trials demonstrated that escapement for both trap types was negligible at low density and slightly higher at medium density: 0.8% for restricted and 11.5% for unrestricted. However, at high density, escapement from restricted traps was 8.8 vs. 45.3% for unrestricted traps. Our findings suggest that inclusion of a throat restriction may increase catch of rusty crayfish by reducing escapement and may be of particular use in removal projects or when sampling in high-density populations.