Microphallus spp. presence in Orconectes propinquus and their affect on asymmetric chela.

Abstract

Chela asymmetry and its relatedness to parasite load in Northern Clearwater Crayfish (Orconectes propinquus) was tested and we hypothesize individuals with higher parasite loads will also express greater chela asymmetry. 51 O. propinquus were sampled in Douglas Lake and the Maple River of northern MI for asymmetry and parasite loads. No statistically significant asymmetry was observed in the individual crayfish and only 3 of 51 individuals were parasitized. This may be explained by an overall absence of asymmetry in chela and/or the absence of the first intermediate host snail host necessary for Microphallus to complete their life cycle.