Distribution and Ecology of Three Species of Crayfish from New Hampshire

The lakes and ponds of four counties in New Hampshire were found to contain three species of crayfish: Orconectes virilis, 0. limosus and 0. immunis. 0. virilis is common and widespread through- out a variety of habitats. 0. immunis and 0. limosus have limited distri- bution and are found in habitats different from those from which they are normally reported. Data on range, habitat, molting, and distribution are included. occupies the central one-third from north to south, and provides a good sample of the state's varied habitats. Four of the state's five watersheds are represented in this area. In certain instances, samples from rivers and streams were included, but these data cannot be con- strued as comprehensive and are not presented as such. The crayfish populations of several states in the Northeast have been surveyed: Pennsylvania (Ortmann, 1906); New Jersey (Fowler, 1912); Ohio (Turner, 1926); West Virginia (Newcomb, 1929); and New York (Crocker, 1957). The literature contains little informa- tion on crayfishes found north and east of New York State, and noth- ing on those of New Hampshire.