Taxonomic Standing and Genetic Surveillance of the Spiny Scale Crayfish (Cambarus jezerinaci) in Southeastern Kentucky


 In Southeastern Kentucky a small, cold stream-dwelling crayfish, Cambarus jezerinaci, located in the and Cumberland River basin may be part of species complex. A previous study done 2008 on cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (CO1) C. jezerinaci parvoculus, sister region, identified third genetically distinct lineage most similar to currently retained as Group B jezerinaci. is different from true total CO1 difference greater than 5%. Morphological characteristics were also compared between parvoculus with only rostral states being significant identification. However, light new genetic lineages research suggested separation them before morphological comparisons. 2022 2023 was conducted both genetics differences within two river basins better understand taxonomic standing this crayfish. Determining status these important conservation animals. Continuing helps us grow our understanding what it means modern age allows learn about biodiversity speciation process itself. Given rapidly changing climate, imperative catalog diversity freshwater streams develop action plans for endemic such