Abstract
Herein, we report the first record of the cambarid marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017) in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Originating from the pet trade in Germany, the marbled crayfish is a parthenogenic species that is known to be a rapid colonizer of multiple habitat types and can outcompete native species. Multiple collections of specimens were made during 2023 and 2024 in two small backyard ponds in the southwestern area of the province. Genetic confirmation was completed by sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene using universal marine invertebrates PCR primers. A 100% match was obtained to publicly available DNA reference sequences. This species represents a potential threat to Nova Scotian waterways, as disruptions to food web organization are anticipated. With limited options for eradication and control, the potential for the mitigation or reversal of invasion impacts is low.
Keywords: marbled crayfish • range expansion • crawfish • introduction • vectors
