Observations on the life history and burrow construction of the crayfish Cambarus fodiens (Cottle) in a temporary stream in southern Ontario

Cambarus fodiens, usually considered an inhabitant of ponds and drainage ditches, is shown to be able to complete its life cycle in a temporary running-water habitat. Details of its life history are given. Sampling methods for burrowing crayfishes are briefly reviewed and a new method is described. The typical burrow construction of this species is shown to be modified at two stages in the life cycle, once in the ovigerous females, and again in the newly released juveniles. It is possible that other inhabitants of temporary streams use these crayfish burrows as refuges when the groundwater table rereats.