Devil crayfish
Lacunicambarus diogenes

The devil crayfish is a brownish-red crustacean that resembles a miniature lobster. They typically have red-tipped claws. They can be found burrowing in forested areas where the water table is near the surface.

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A view from above of a devil crayfish burrow, a cluster of lumps of mud rising from the forest floor with a central hollow as an opening.
The burrows of devil crayfish can be recognized by their cone-shaped “mud chimney” entryways. (Photo courtesy of Caryl Buck/iNaturalist CC BY-NC, cropped and toned)

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Appearance

Devil crayfish look like miniature lobsters and are related to crabs and shrimps. They display a variety of colors, including brown, reddish brown, blue and green. They can grow to be 3 to 4 ½ inches in length.

Feeding

They are scavengers that feed most often on decaying aquatic vegetation and will also consume dead animal matter, snails, insects and aquatic worms.

Reproduction and life cycle

Mating rituals for devil crayfish last about 30 minutes. Females lay eggs in late spring, attaching them to their abdomen to protect them during the brooding process. Baby crayfish stay attached to their mother until they have completed their second molt, at which point they drop off and live independently. Adults live for two to three years on average.

Did you know?

  • The burrows of devil crayfish can be recognized by their cone-shaped “mud chimney” entryways.
  • Devil crayfish are nocturnal, unless emerging from their burrow to breed.
  • Localized population declines can occur as a result of pollution related to agricultural and stormwater runoff.

Sources and additional information

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