Early detection of isolated populations may help prevent their spread. If you discover a rusty crayfish, freeze it in a sealed plastic bag, note the date and location, and call the Emporia Research Office at (620) 342-0658 or email the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. What do I do if I discover a rusty crayfish? Never dump live crayfish from one waterbody into another.Never dip your bait bucket into a lake or river if it has water in it from another waterbody.There are historical reports of Digger crayfish (Fallicambarus fodiens) being found in Wisconsin. These three species typically comprise more than 90 of specimens in crayfish collections. Has larger, more robust claws than native crayfish species. Spot size and darkness is highly variable across individuals. Rusty, red-colored spots are present on either side of carapace. Faxonius rusticus )) has a light to dark brown body. Always dispose of your unwanted bait on land or in the trash. Virile crayfish, the Northern Clearwater crayfish, and the Rusty crayfish. Rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus (syn.Always drain water from your boat, livewell, and bilge before leaving any water access.Females carry fertilized eggs which make spread easier.They destroy plant bed abundance and diversity.Rusty crayfish displace native crayfish.They are associated with population declines of game fish such as bluegill, bass, and northern pike. If you find a rusty crayfish, or catch one in a trap, take a photo of it and either return it to the water or kill it. Rusty crayfish outcompete native crayfish for food and territory and reduce aquatic plant abundance and species diversity, which impacts the habitat for other crayfish and fish species. Rusty crayfish have large, black-tipped claws. Rusty crayfish are 3-5 inches long, with a grayish-green body and easily-identifiable reddish fingerprint-like spots on each side of the body just in front of the tail. Rusty crayfish outcompete native crayfish for food and territory and reduce aquatic plant abundance and species diversity, which impacts the habitat for other crayfish and fish species.The rusty crayfish has not been found in Kansas.In recent years its distribution has expanded because of the use of live crayfish as bait by anglers.Species Description Adult rusty crayfish are typically 7.5-13 cm (3-5 in) long with large, robust claws that display black banded tips. It has not only managed to outcompete native crayfish species, but has also devastated aquatic ecosystems in several states including Pennsylvania. The normal distribution of the rusty crayfish includes Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The rusty crayfish is an aggressive crayfish with a huge appetite.