Iowa Invertebrates
More
than 97% of the animal species on Earth are invertebrates. Invertebrates are
small animals that do not have backbones. There are many types of
invertebrates, from fluid-filled jellyfish, and squishy earthworms to hard
shelled insects like beetles, and eight-legged arachnids. This fascinating and
diverse group of animals spans the globe – invertebrates live on every
continent and in every body of water!
BrainPOP:
Invertebrates
Science
for Kids: Invertebrates Poem
Creature Feature –
Prairie Crayfish (Procambarus gracilis)
Crayfish
are usually associated with aquatic habitats such as ponds and creeks. The
prairie crayfish is one crayfish species that breaks that mold! Prairie
crayfish, as their name implies, live in prairies and other grassland. However,
since so little prairie remains in Iowa, they are frequently found in ditches
or poorly drained pasture land. They dig deep burrows, over 6 feet deep, and
leave a distinguishing “chimney” of mud around the entrance. Their burrows are
usually below the water table and water-filled.
Prairie
crayfish are bright red to reddish-brown with a high-domed shell. Their pincers
are large with many bumps. Adults may be up almost 3 inches long. Their gills
are able to obtain oxygen from the air for extended periods of time as long as
conditions are moist. Prairie crayfish live for 3 or 4 years.
Prairie
crayfish are secretive and nocturnal, coming out of their burrows only at night
or during heavy rains. They can often be seen crossing roadways or walking in
flooded roadside ditches during the spring and summer months. Prairie crayfish
feed on plants, insects, and pretty much anything they can find, dead or alive.
Mating
occurs during the spring and after the female lays her eggs she carries them
under her abdomen. She will carry them through hatching and until they grow
large enough to care for themselves at which time she will leave them in a
suitable habitat.
Missouri
Department of Conservation: Prairie Crayfish
Vanishing Prairies
Iowa was
once covered by vast acres of rolling prairies. It is estimated that less than
0.1% of Iowa’s original prairie remains. Although some species, such as the
prairie crayfish, have adapted and continue to thrive without vast prairie
land, other species have not been so lucky. Research other native prairie wildlife
species. What are some features of wildlife species that have adapted well to
prairie destruction? What are some features of species that have not?
For
factsheets, activity sheets and MORE visit:
IDNR: Education – Classroom
Resources (go to the Document Library at the bottom of the page for fact sheets
and activity sheets!)
