![]() The immature hatchlings molt (shed their exoskeleton to allow growth) and remain attached to their mother. A female carrying eggs on her abdomen and legs is said to be "in berry." Embryos develop and hatch on the underside of females in 2-20 weeks, likely depending upon species and temperature. The eggs and sperm (from the seminal receptacle) are then released upon the sticky surface and fertilization occurs. During the appropriate time(s) of year, females secrete a sticky substance on the underside of their abdomen and pleopods in order to attach their eggs. Copulation involves a sexually mature male crayfish grabbing a female and depositing sperm packages (spermatophores) into the seminal receptacle on the abdomen of a receptive female crayfish. The exact breeding season of the Knotty Burrowing Crayfish is currently unknown, but copulation is believed to occur sometime between fall and late spring. The life cycle of this species is presumed to be fairly similar to the generalized crayfish life history described below. Females carrying eggs or young have been collected during June. ![]() First-form (sexually mature) males have been collected during April, June, October, November and December. The available life history data for Cambarus nodosus is limited to the form or condition of specimens collected during certain times of the year. There have been relatively few life history studies conducted on crayfish. The eyes of the Knotty Burrowing Crayfish are small and its carapace usually measures between 24 and 34 mm (1.0-1.3 in) in length. The chelae (claws) are nearly rectangular in shape and are marked with reddish tubercles. The areola is fairly broad and adorned with 2-4 spots or pits. The margins of the short, rounded rostrum are orange in appearance and lack both spines and tubercles (small bumps). The abdomen and tail are a noticeably darker olive-tan color. The carapace of the Knotty Burrowing Crayfish is olive-tan in color.
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