Distribution, Habitat, and Life History Aspects of the Dwarf Crayfishes of the Genus Cambarellus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Arkansas

The dwarf crayfishes of the genus Cambarellus are represented in Arkansas by only 2 species: Cambarellus (Pandicambarus) puer (Hobbs) and C. (P.) shufeldtii (Faxon). Both species are quite small and uncommonly encountered in the state. Between 1972 and 2018, we made 368 crayfish collections throughout the 75 counties of Arkansas. A total of 34 collections (our collections, plus museum specimens), and those previously collected by Reimer (1963) yielded a total of 304 specimens of C. puer and 12 collections of C. shufeldtii returned 54 specimens of C. shufeldtiii. Herein, we document these 2 dwarf crayfishes from primarily the Coastal Plain and Mississippi Alluvial Plain physiographic provinces of Arkansas. Cambarellus puer is documented from 24 counties whereas C. shufeldtii was recorded from only 12 counties. With regard to conservation status, both C. puer and C. shufeldtii should be considered as “Currently Stable” due to their widespread distribution and general abundance in Arkansas

Distribution, Habitat, and Life History Aspects of the Shrimp Crayfish, Faxonius lancifer (Hagen) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Arkansas

The Shrimp Crayfish, Faxonius (formerly Orconectes) lancifer (Hagen) is an uncommon, although widespread, crayfish in Arkansas. This species is herein documented from 19 counties of the Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic region. Between 1974 and 2017, we made 344 collections throughout the 75 counties of Arkansas, of which 22 (6%) yielded 163 specimens of F. lancifer. Thus, from these collections, plus 10 unpublished collections of Reimer (1963), and one collection from G.L. Harp, a total of 34 collections of F. lancifer are now known from the state. Faxonius lancifer ranged from uncommon (1 specimen) to locally abundant (39 specimens) at these collecting localities. With regard to conservation status, F. lancifer should be considered as Currently Stable due to its widespread distribution and general abundance in Arkansas

Hematology as Related to Diving Characteristics of Elaphe obsoleta, Nerodia erythrogaster, Nerodia Fasciata and Nerodia rhombifera

The diving capabilities of Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster and Nerodia fasciata confluens were investigated and the results were compared with similar studies on Nerodia rhombifera rhombifera and Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta (Baeyens et al., 1978). In addition, morphological and hematological parameters contributing to underwater survival were examined. The duration of underwater survival for N. erythrogaster and N. fasciata was approximately one hour with no difference between the species. The lung volumes of the two species were also similar but were significantly less than lung volumes reported for E. obsoleta. There were no significant differences in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count or hematocrit between N. rhombifera, N. erythrogaster, N. fasciata, and E. obsoleta. Based on similarities in underwater tolerance, lung morphology and hematology, Nerodia more closely resembles the terrestrial E. obsoleta than those reptiles specifically adapted to an underwater existance

Additional Records of Acanthocephalan Parasites from Arkansas Fishes, with New Records from Missouri Fishes

Over the last decade, our research consortium has provided information on acanthocephalan parasites of Arkansas vertebrates, including records from some of the state’s fishes. Here, we continue to provide data on new geographic and new host records of acanthocephalans from Arkansas fishes. In addition, for the first time, we report records of acanthocephalans for some Missouri fishes. We document 2 new state records as well as 10 new host records for some fish acanthocephalans

An Annotated Checklist of the Crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae) of Arkansas

Prior to the present study, 56 species with 3 additional subspecies for a total of 59 different taxa of crayfishes were recognized from Arkansas. We add a single species (Carmel Crayfish, Fallicambarus schusteri) to that list, subtract a documented synonym (Procambarus ferrugenius = Procambarus liberorum), update the classification to better reflect recent phylogenetic insights, and provide an updated annotated checklist of the 59 crayfish taxa of presently known from the state. There are 8 endemic species in Arkansas, including the Bayou Bodcau Crayfish (Bouchardina robisoni), Boston Mountains Crayfish (Cambarus causeyi), Hell Creek Cave Crayfish (C. zophonastes), Jefferson County Crayfish (Creaserinus gilpini), Ouachita Burrowing Crayfish (Fallicambarus harpi), Slenderwrist Burrowing Crayfish (F. petilicarpus), Saline Burrowing Crayfish (F. strawni), and Redspotted Stream Crayfish (Faxonius acares). There are also 2 federally endangered species, the Benton County Cave Crayfish (Cambarus aculabrum) and the Hell Creek Cave Crayfish (C. zophonastes) that inhabit Arkansas karst habitat. We expect that additional species will be included in the list with further DNA analyses

Millipeds (Arthropoda: Diplopoda) of the Ark - La - Tex. VI. New Geographic Distributional Records from Select Counties of Arkansas

We continue to report, in the sixth of a series of papers, new geographic records for millipeds of the state, including noteworthy records for some taxa collected from Crowley’s Ridge in eastern Arkansas. This contribution documents 47 new co. records and includes records for 19 species within 9 families and 5 orders. More uncommon millipeds found included Okliulus carpenteri (Parajulidae), Eurymerodesmus newtonus (Eurymerodesmidae), Pseudopolydesmus minor (Polydesmidae) and undescribed species of Ethojulus (Parajulidae) and Nannaria (Xystodesmidae). Undoubtedly, additional records will be reported in the future as several gaps in the distribution of Arkansas millipeds remain