Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Ditch Fencing Crayfish (Faxonella clypeata) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Faxonella clypeata, ditch fencing crayfish, is a crustacean that is native to the Gulf Coastal Plain and lower Mississippi River Valley in the contiguous United States. It digs and inhabits burrows that can sustain the species during periods of low water. The species rarely occurs in the aquarium trade in North America; it has also been used for scientific experimentation, bait, and fish cultural purposes. Occurrences outside the native range have been reported in northern Georgia and northern Mississippi, but only the Georgia population is reported as established. The History of Invasiveness for F. clypeata is classified as Data Deficient due to the lack of information on any impacts of this introduction. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. Areas of high match were found in the South and southern portions of the Midwest and Ohio River Basin. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the lack of information available regarding the species’ history of invasiveness and uncertainty in the native range. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Faxonella clypeata in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.