Underground Rainbow

Bloomer, Caitlin

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114217 Copy

Description

Title

Underground Rainbow

Author(s)

Bloomer, Caitlin

Issue Date

2022

Keyword(s)

• Natural Resources
• Environmental Sciences

Abstract

You might have seen a crayfish in a local stream or river. It might have been a muddy brown or dark green. They are often unremarkable in appearance. But beneath our feet lies a unique group of crayfish: the burrowers. These crayfish form deep, complex burrows in wetlands, prairies, and even roadside ditches. Burrowers can be found in striking shades of reds, greens, and blues. Here we see a perfect example in Lacunicambarus ludovicianus, the Painted Devil Crayfish. So why the gaudy shades just to hide underground? Maybe the lack of visual predators means they don’t need to camouflage. Maybe the reduced UV rays allow complex protein pigments to build up. Maybe it’s a stress response to being wrenched from their secret lair. We don’t have the answers yet. But studying these species can reveal a wealth of colour and beauty concealed below the surface.

Type of Resource

• Text
• Image

Language

eng

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/114217

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Caitlin Bloomer

Owning Collections