Crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae) of Oklahoma: identification, distributions, and natural history Author Morehouse, Reid L. Author Tobler, Michael text Zootaxa 2013 3717 2 101 157 journal article 10.11646/zootaxa.3717.2.1 fad4163f-156b-4f1a-a5e9-c9f48df52e0a 1175-5326 248539 C8CDC011-974C-48B4-9E03-88F570EEDE13 Orconectes leptogonopodus Hobbs, 1948 : Little River Creek Crayfish General charateristics. Adults rarely exceed 80 mm in total length and the areola is open. The rostrum has a slight depression and lateral spines and margins that are slightly thickened. Chelae are somewhat broad and have a thick or inflated palm region. In form I males, gonopods are slender with the central process consisting of at least 1/2 of the total length (Hobbs, 1948). Life coloration. The background color is uniform gray to brown. Hints of red throughout the abdomen, usually along the edges are present ( Figure 53 ). The telson occasionally has some red coloration near the base. The ventral side is cream to white. Similar species. In Oklahoma, O . leptogonopodus closely resembles O . menae , from which it can be distinguished based on the length of the gonopods, as the central process is at least 1/2 of the total length of the gonopods in form I males. Distribution and habitat. Orconectes leptogonopodus occurs in the Little River drainage in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. Our ecological niche model confirms the high endemism of this species, as only the Little River drainage is indicated to have suitable environmental conditions ( Figure 54 ). This species is found in small rocky streams with clear water in fast flowing water and is a tertiary burrower (Williams, 1954). Life history. Form I and II males and females have been collected from September through November. As with other closely related species, it is likely that spawning occurs during the fall and early winter months. Syntopic species. Orconectes menae , Orconectes palmeri longimanus , and Procambarus tenuis . Conservation status. AFS: Currently Stable; Heritage Rank: Apparently Secure (G4); IUCN: Least Concern; ODWC: Not Listed. Additional resources. Dyer et al. (2013).