It wasn't quite at the pond as I was visiting the creek just South of it but finally managed to find a few crawfish. Thinking these are the Water Nymph variety. Anybody have thoughts or willing to help with identification?
I am not enough of an expert to distinguish between those, virile crayfish, and calico (papershell) crayfish. The ones I pick up always seem to have enough local variation such that they are not a perfect match to the species identifiers (to my untrained eye).
I can't remember, are you looking for some crayfish to add to your new pond? If so, I would re-post in the Creating the Food Chain forum and ask for some identification help. I believe(?) all three of the species discussed are "safe" to add to Kansas ponds where the plants have been established.
However, you have done some nice plantings, so I would certainly want some expert advice about invasiveness and plant mowing tendencies after the ID was confirmed.
Do you think you can catch enough in the creek to perform an effective stocking in your pond? I would think your bass are getting right into the "we love crayfish" size range!
