ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY R e p o r t s SURVE Y

Spring 2004 No. 379

I N S I D E Prospects for Biological Control of Teasel in Highlights of the Long Illinois Term Resource Monitoring Program at the INHS Some plants that arrive in Illinois included cutting and Great Rivers Field from exotic homes lack natural herbiciding, but Station enemies to keep their popula- costs of labor and 2 tions in check and become inva- chemicals, as well sive. The teasel species as harm to nontarget INHS Researcher (Dipsacus fullonum [common plants from Named a Fellow by The teasel] and D. laciniatus [cut- overspray, have re- Wildlife Society leafed teasel]) are examples of sulted in reduced 4 such exotic plants. These Old effectiveness of World plants have been in North these methods. Bio- Channelization, a America since the 1800s and in logical control is one Major Factor Influenc- Illinois for a number of years. of the few remaining ing Stream Condition The first records of D. fullonum approaches possible. in Illinois (referred to as D. sylvestris) in Staff from the 5 the Illinois Natural History Sur- INHS Center for Critical Trends vey (INHS) Herbarium date to Ecological Entomol- Assessment Program 1934, but teasel recently has be- ogy have developed Web Page: come more visible along road- a partnership with AWindow into Illinois sides, pastures, and untilled scientists at the Habitats lands. USDA-ARS Euro- 8 Mowing is considered to be pean Biological one of the primary means of Control Laboratory Transmission Cycle of spreading teasel, and changes in near Montpellier, Neospora caninum: A mowing patterns may be respon- France, Millikin Brian Rector of the USDA-ARS European University, and the Biological Control Laboratory is dwarfed by a Single-cell Parasite at sible for the increased visibility. teasel in Greece. Photo by Rene Sforza, USDA-ARS the Interface Between Teasel species are monocarpic USDA-ARS Inva- European Biological Control Laboratory, Montpellier, France Domestic and Wildlife perennials, meaning they only sive Weeds Research Species flower and set seed once. Unlike Unit on the University of Illinois leafrolling tortricid moths 9 true biennials, a teasel can re- Urbana-Champaign campus. This (Cochylis roseana and main as a rosette for many years, partnership will, among other Endothenia gentianaeana), a Species Spotlight: until it reaches a size at which it activities, search for natural en- nymphalid moth (Euphydryas Devil Crayfish bolts, flowers, and sets seed. emies of teasel in its native aurenia), and an unidentified 10 Continual mowing likely had range. Exploration by USDA eriophyid mite have been found. kept teasel plants small enough scientists in southeastern Europe, Further exploration in Turkey, Naturalist's Apprentice: that they didn’t bolt; fewer southwestern Asia, and France Greece, and Bulgaria is planned Crayfish Word Search mowings (and occurring later in has already uncovered a few po- for the summer of 2004. 11 the season) have led to explo- tential arthropod agents that may Teasel offers a unique op- sions of populations of the plant prove useful in the fight against portunity for biological control. at many sites, giving the appear- teasel. To date, a flea beetle All species in the teasel plant ance that it recently had arrived. (Longitarsus strigicollis), a leaf Methods for fighting teasel have beetle (Galerucea pomonae), two Continued on back page

1 Highlights of the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program at the INHS Great Rivers Field Station

The Illinois Natural Maher, Illinois Department of History Survey Great Natural Resources). Data from Rivers Field Station is the LTRMP fish component can one of six field stations provide managers with impor- that collect data on the tant information on the status Upper Mississippi and trends of fish populations in River System for the this reach of the Upper Missis- Long Term Resource sippi River, allowing for sound Monitoring Program management of this valuable (LTRMP). In the Wa- resource. ter Resources Develop- Fishery-independent data ment Acts of 1986 and from LTRMP can be directly 1999 (Public Law compared to commercial catch 99-662), the U.S. Con- data. Because effort is ac- gress recognized the counted for in LTRMP data, national significance of trends in these data should re- the Upper Mississippi flect actual population trends, River System (UMRS) whereas commercial catch data as both an ecosystem do not account for effort and can and a transportation vary with the market value of system. To ensure that fish. For several species, includ- river managers would ing channel catfish and common have access to the sci- carp, trends in LTRMP data and entific information commercial catch are similar needed to maintain the (Fig. 2). When trends in com- UMRS as a viable, mercial catch data do not corre- Figure 1. Map of the Upper Mississippi River System showing the six multiple-use ecosys- spond to trends in LTRMP data, LTRMP regional trend areas, including Pool 26. The Illinois Natural His- tem, Congress autho- this can be a cause for concern, tory Survey operates two field stations conducting LTRMP monitoring: rized the LTRMP as an especially when commercial the Great Rivers Field Station and the Illinois River Biological Station on element of the U.S. catch remains constant or in- the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River. Army Corps of Engi- creases at the same time that LTRMP trends are declining. neers’ Environmental Resources Critical Trends Assessment This is the case for buffalo (Ictiobus Management Program. The LTRMP is Program estimated that outdoors enthusi- spp.) in Pool 26 (Fig. 2), so it will be administered through the U.S. Geological asts in the Pool 26 area purchase approxi- important to continue monitoring the Survey in cooperation with the five UMRS mately 3.9% of all fishing licenses and abundance of these species. states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illi- 6.1% of all hunting licenses issued in the Because LTRMP data have been col- nois, and Missouri. Through this program, state of Illinois. Based on these license lected consistently for over 10 years, im- researchers at the Great Rivers Field Sta- sales and expenditure data from the an- portant insights into population and com- tion have monitored water quality, fish, nual National Survey of Hunting, Fish- munity dynamics of fishes can be gained macroinvertebrates, and aquatic vegetation ing, and Outdoor Recreation published by examining responses to significant communities in Pool 26, a 41-mile reach of by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we events within the time series. The Great the Mississippi River above Melvin Price estimate that hunters and fishers expend Flood of 1993, perhaps the most impor- Lock and Dam 26, and 10 miles of the about $50 million each year in the Pool tant event in this time series, allowed lower Illinois River, for over 10 years (Fig. 26 area (Illinois only). Fish populations greater access of fishes to the floodplain, 1). in the UMRS also are a resource for which can provide important reproduc- Pool 26 provides important resources to commercial fishers, with an average of nearby cities and towns in Illinois and Mis- 780,000 pounds of fish harvested each souri. The Illinois Department of Natural year from Pool 26 (data source: Rob Continued on next page.

2 LTRMP following the fate of these year classes. For example, despite the 1993 year class, the overall abundance of most continued from previous page centrarchids (e.g., largemouth bass, blue- tive and nursery habitats. By com- gill, and crappie) declined for several paring the abundance of age-1 fish years after 1993. We hope to identify (based on length) in 1994 with all environmental factors and ecological other years, we can look for evidence mechanisms with the potential to explain of increased reproductive success observed variation in fish communities associated with the 1993 flood. Sev- by further analysis of LTRMP fish, water eral fishes appear to have produced quality, and aquatic vegetation data. exceptionally strong year classes in John H. Chick, Eric J. Gittinger and Eric N. 1993, including common carp, large- Ratcliff, Center for Aquatic Ecology and mouth bass, and black crappie (Fig. Conservation 3). Further insights can be gained by

Figure 3. Abundance of age-1 (age estimated based on Figure 2. Comparison of LTRMP data and commercial fishing length) common carp, largemouth bass, and black crap- harvest for channel catfish, common carp, and buffalo (Ictiobus pie from LTRMP data collected in Pool 26 of the Upper spp.) in Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River. Mississippi River.

3 INHS Researcher Named a Fellow by The Wildlife Society

Dr. Stephen P. Havera, Director of the Dr. Havera received his B.S. in biol- • Distinguished Alumnus Award, Forbes Biological Station and the Frank C. ogy from Bradley University in Peoria, 2001, College of Liberal Arts and Sci- Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center of the and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in zoology ences, Bradley University. Illinois Natural History Survey, has been from the University of Illinois, Urbana- honored by The Wildlife Society (TWS) by Champaign. He served in the U.S. Army • The Centurion Award for alumni being named a Fellow at the Society’s an- Military Police from 1968–1970. Havera with significant professional career nual conference in Burlington, Vermont. lives with his wife Nancy and sons Steve achievements, 2001, Bradley Univer- Dr. Havera was the first North Central Sec- and David near Lewistown. sity. tion recipient of the Fellow Award. The TWS Fellows program recognizes society • The Upper Mississippi River Great members who have distinguished them- Lakes Region Joint Venture 2000 Pro- selves through exceptional service to fessional Award. their profession. Fellows are appointed for life. • President, 1994–95, Organization of The Wildlife Society, founded in Biological Field Stations 1937, is the association of professionals dedicated to excellence in wildlife stew- • Board of Directors, 1993–1994, ardship through science and education. It American Institute of Biological Sci- works to develop and maintain profes- ences. sional standards, advance professional stewardship of wildlife and its habitats, • Member of several other professional and increase public awareness and appre- organizations and committees includ- ciation of wildlife management. It has ing the Mississippi Flyway Technical thousands of members in more than 60 Section. countries. Dr. Havera, a TWS-Certified Wildlife • He was an organizational leader in Biologist and a 30-year member of the the establishment of the U.S. Fish and society, has over three decades of re- Wildlife Service’s Emiquon National search experience with the Illinois Natu- Wildlife Refuge in Fulton County, Illi- ral History Survey and has attained the nois, 1993. highest rank of Senior Professional Sci- entist. His research interests include wa- Compiled by Katie Roat, Center for Wildlife terfowl, forest wildlife, mammalogy, orni- Other recognition and awards include: and Plant Ecology thology, wetlands, and physiological ecol- ogy. He has been involved with a variety of • Merit Award for co-chairing Planning conservation issues at the local, state, and Committee for the Governor’s Confer- national levels via The Wildlife Society, es- ences on the Management of the Illinois pecially in promoting the use of nontoxic River System, February 26, 2004. shot and strong conservation provisions in the Farm Bills. His work for TWS has in- • Ducks Unlimited’s 2004 Conservation cluded service as President of the Illinois Achievement Award in the Technical chapter and Treasurer and President of the Category. North Central Section. His published works include 4 book • The first Stephen A. Forbes Award for chapters, 2 books, some 70 technical publi- Exceptional Achievement, 2002, Illinois cations, and 60 reports. He received The Natural History Survey. Wildlife Society’s 2000 Publications Award for Outstanding Book, for Waterfowl of Illi- • 2002 Golden Glow Public Servant nois: Status and Management and its accom- Award, Association of Great Lakes Out- panying Abbreviated Field Guide. door Writers.

4 Channelization, a Major Factor Influencing Stream Condition in Illinois

Central Illinois was not always high and This effort will help to assess the condi- rized as channelized or meandering, were dry with tidy fields and arrow-straight tion of both natural meandering streams regionalized by which of 10 Illinois ditches. During presettlement times this and channelized ones, providing a Streams Information System (ISIS) basins area was covered in native tallgrass prai- clearer picture of how agricultural prac- they came from, and by stream width code rie, a community promoted by fire. Along tices affect stream condition. (Code 1 = 1–2 m wetted width, width larger streams, because they provided CTAP assesses stream condition us- code 5 =>30 m). Additionally, an Overall firebrakes, a wooded riparian zone ing a Habitat Quality Index, the Index, based on statewide percentiles for formed. This geologically young, prairie Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI), and the EPT, Habitat, and HBI was calculated for landform was poorly drained, a direct re- EPT taxonomic richness (number of each site using the following equation: sult of glaciation that scraped and filled species of Ephemeroptera [mayflies], extensive areas as recently as 10,000 to Plecoptera [stoneflies], and Trichoptera Overall %ile = (EPT %ile * 0.4) + 15,000 years ago. [caddisflies]). The Habitat Quality In- (HBI %ile * 0.2) + (Habitat %ile * 0.4) Despite the wet conditions, the soil was dex estimates the potential for aquatic black, fertile, and attractive to farmers. organisms to have suitable habitat in HBI is not as sensitive to degradation To improve drainage, farmers straightened which to feed, hide, and reproduce in of stream condition as EPT or Habitat; existing streams and shortening their streams. It also assesses the ability of hence, its influence on the score has been length. In some cases, they created addi- streamside vegetation to stabilize banks reduced. Qualitative ratings (excellent, tional streams where none had existed, and trap nutrients. Habitat Quality In- good, etc.) were constructed for each site through ditching. In addition to creating dex values range from 0 to 180, with based on the Overall Index (Table 1). ditches, farmers also tiled their fields, greater values indicating better habitat Analysis of Variance was used to examine lowering the water table. Organization of quality. EPT taxonomic richness is one the effects of channelization, stream size, farmers into cooperative, local drainage of the most efficient biological indices and ISIS basin on EPT, Habitat, HBI, and districts, with the power to levee taxes on of stream condition and corresponds Overall Index. landowners within a drainage, and the ad- well to more costly measures of ecosys- vent of powerful machinery have been tem function. The HBI is a weighted RESULTS effective at drastically changing drainage average of the organic pollution toler- EPT taxonomic richness was most af- patterns. While these practices have al- ance of aquatic insects. Most EPT taxa fected by channelization. Streams with lowed for a vast agricultural economy, in the region have been assigned toler- meandering channels produced an average they also have wrought negative conse- ance values that range from 0 to 10; of 11.8 EPT (n=88), while channelized quences. Because of field tiling, stream therefore, a site value may range from 0 streams produced 7.1 (n=61) taxa. This is channels now fill rapidly after rains and to 10, with higher values indicating a 40% difference! Stream width was also straightened stream channels carry this poorer condition. an important factor, with larger streams flow downstream causing erosion, flood- Results presented here are from 149 supporting more EPT taxa (Fig. 1). ISIS ing, and scouring of the streambed. The sites sampled over a five-year period basin appeared not to be a significant fac- lowering of the water table contributes to beginning in 1997. Sites were catego- low flows and algae-choked channels by late summer. The removal of trees from Table 1. Percentile ranges and tentative quality ratings for stream ecological indica- larger streams and the reduced groundwa- tors. ter flow in summer cause great fluctua- tions in stream temperature and losses of Percentile Ranking for Ecological Indicators Tentative Quality Rating fauna needing cooler waters. The Critical Trends Assessment Pro- ³ 90 Excellent gram (CTAP) (see http://ctap.inhs. ³ 75 to <90 Good uiuc.edu for details of this program) has ³ 50 to <75 Fair been sampling Illinois streams at random ³ 30 to <50 Poor locations. This design ensures that <30 Very Poor streams will be represented in the size and quality in which they occur statewide. Continued on next page.

5 Channelization

continued from previous page

tor on its own, but an interaction between basin and stream width was detected. This complicates the picture somewhat, as it ap- pears that some basins did not display an increase in EPT rich- ness with increasing stream width. HBI, calculated from the EPT community, did not vary significantly in relation to the three factors. Most often, values were between five and six units. However, sites with much lower values were found in the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois with a Figure 1. Mean EPT taxonomic richness + standard error for meandering and channelized streams statewide and for five stream width codes (increasing integer = increasing stream width). Numbers in mean of 3.5 (n=5). It appeared bars indicate sample size. Statewide, channel types were statistically distinct as were widths 1, 2, and 3 that this index only has value in and widths 4 and 5. isolated areas across the state and in the Shawnee Hills in particular. Habitat quality was heavily affected by channelization, with meandering streams that the smallest streams were the most The chances of the program finding scoring significantly higher (107.6 points) heavily degraded in large agricultural excellent quality streams were remote, than channelized streams (70.9 points). drainages (Sangamon, Kankakee/ Ver- but five (3%) were found that had over- While ISIS basin was not an important fac- milion/ Mackinaw) and in an urbanized all percentile scores ³ 90%. These tor alone, it did interact with channelization one (Fox/ Des Plaines). streams supported in excess of 14 EPT to produce a significant result (Fig. 2). The taxa, had meandering courses, wide Rock River and Spoon River basins ap- DISCUSSION treed riparian zones, and produced some peared to have no significant differences in Because this sampling program was of the lowest HBI values in the state. habitat quality for the two channel types, based on randomly selected sites, it is The greatest proportion of streams with whereas significant differences existed in assumed that they are representative of these characteristics can be found in the the other basins. These basins had the low- the state as a whole and that inference Shawnee Hills subsection of the Big est habitat scores for meandering streams; about the quality of other streams, and Muddy basin, but can also be found hence, it may be that meandering streams in the frequency in which they occur, may anywhere in the state. It is imperative this region are too heavily impacted to dem- be drawn from this sample. Based on that these best sites are characterized, onstrate differences with channelized ones. overall percentile scores, 45% of streams since they set the regional biotic poten- Overall Index values varied significantly sampled by this program were rated as tial for stream condition. with channelization, with meandering “poor” or “very poor” (Fig. 3). Some of Channel type appeared to be the streams scoring an average 61.8% (fair the worst offenders (Overall Index < most important factor determining over- quality from Table 1) and channelized 10%) had less than two EPT (two had all quality (and its components). Vast streams scoring only 35.8% (poor quality). none), were channelized, and had no improvements could be made if this one Neither ISIS basin nor width alone was a natural riparian zone. The percentages stream characteristic was foc- used on significant factor explaining Overall Index; of fine sediment (sand, silt, and clay in policy and restoration guidance given however, a significant interaction between fractions combined) usually exceeded by state agencies. Re-establishment and basin and width was noted. It appeared that 80%, a trait promoted by heavy erosion. widening of natural riparian zones Overall Index values (condition) improved These poorest-of-the-poor were not rel- with stream size, except in the Big Muddy, egated to any one basin, but could be Little Wabash, and Rock basins. It appears found in any, whether urbanized or agri- Continued on next page. cultural.

6 Channelization

continued from previous page would reduce soil erosion, capture pollut- ants, reduce algal blooms, and ameliorate water temperatures. Restoration is a long- term endeavor, especially so for sensitive aquatic insects that reside now only in is- lands of suitable habitat or at the periphery of the state. Large-scale restorations might require reintroduction of the most sensitive, least vagile species to help bridge geographic gaps between restored habitat and recolonization sources.

Dr. R. Edward DeWalt, Center for Biodiversity Critical Trends Assessment Program

Figure 2. CTAP stream sampling mean Habitat Quality Index score + standard error for ISIS basins by channel type. Numbers in bars indicate sample size. Note that Rock and Spoon basins are similar for both channel types.

Figure 3. Summary of qualitative stream ratings based on Overall Index values for 149 streams.

7 Critical Trends Assessment Program Web Page: A Window into Illinois Habitats

The Critical Trends Assessment Program Sheets,” “Regionalized Fact Sheets,” data (our sister group) in a similar (CTAP) is a long-term endeavor to monitor and “Species.” Site fact sheets are format as described previously, the condition of forests, wetlands, grass- available for each CTAP study site for and we provide the link to the data lands, and streams throughout the state of plants, birds, and aquatic insects (ETP), entry portion of this program (see Illinois. Data on plants, birds, and terrestrial and, in the near future, the terrestrial “Data Input”). and aquatic insects are collected. The main insect data will be available. Each fact In addition to the described purpose of conducting this monitoring is to sheet has summary information for the features, the CTAP Web page pro- assess long-term changes in ecological con- site, including ecological indicators, site vides other useful resources such ditions as well as to develop a baseline from photos, and a species list. In addition, as publications. Here you will which to compare regional and site-specific these site-specific data are compared find all CTAP professional scien- patterns throughout Illinois. In 2001, the with statewide averages. Also, you can tists’ reports including annual re- Illinois Natural History Survey CTAP biolo- view a map for each habitat with a hot ports and other publications where gists finished the first five-year cycle of this link to each of these fact sheets. CTAP data have been used. For statewide monitoring program. After col- example, CTAP—Invasive Plant lecting data from 1997 through 2001 and Species in Illinois Forests is a se- putting out written reports, it became clear ries of maps showing the distribu- that a new format was needed to present our tion of nine invasive species, such data. The Internet provided a perfect tool to as garlic mustard, across the state. accomplish this. The new CTAP Web page In addition, a link to CTAP re- (http://ctap.inhs.uiuc.edu/) was created to gional assessments is provided. meet the challenges of promoting the pro- Our Geographical Information gram and presenting statewide data to the System page is still under devel- people of Illinois. opment, but will provide links to The CTAP Web page provides a general very useful information such as description of the monitoring program. In the map Land Cover of Illinois in addition, it provides links to the main Illi- the Early 1800s. Also, you can nois Department of Natural Resources- find a glossary page that provides CTAP Web page (http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/ explanations for all pertinent sci- ctap/) where additional information about entific or data-related terms. Fin- the history of the program can be found. ally, we have a sign-in feature that Several features are available for the users allows users to access some pro- on our Web site starting with “Monitoring tected data on the Web. However, Protocols.” This portion of the site gives a additional data requests, such as general overview of our monitoring proto- the raw data, can be obtained by cols. A PDF file with our official protocols contacting one of our staff mem- is available for downloading. This file gives bers (see “People”). a detailed explanation of our protocols, in- As new information is gathered cluding the site selection process, sampling during the second cycle of the procedures, and datasheets that the program program (2002–2006), our data uses. The main purpose of providing such Beside the CTAP Database search will be updated on the Web. Tar- detailed documents is to allow any group to engine, we have summarized the data geting a Web page that will meet download the information and conduct into tables under the heading “Data Ma- the needs of every user is not an monitoring across the state using our proto- trix for Professional Scientists Monitor- easy task. As a program, CTAP cols. The advantages are many since users ing—Plants, Birds, and EPT” under has realized the importance of can query our databases to answer questions “On-line Data.” These tables can be developing a Web page that is related to state and local habitats. downloaded as text (i.e., tab delimited) easy to navigate and where with Next, you can find “On-line Data,” one of or Excel files. Some fields have been the click of a button, reliable in- our vehicles of data dissemination. Several password protected since we want to formation about the state can be unique features are provided. The CTAP protect specific site locations. All the found. Database search engine allows searches by data are generated through an Access habitat, taxa, and geographical area. These database. Also under “On-line Data” Brenda Molano-Flores, INHS CTAP searches are available under “Site Fact you will find that we host the EcoWatch Coordinator

8 Transmission Cycle of Neospora caninum: A Single- cell Parasite at the Interface Between Domestic and Wildlife Species . Neospora caninum is a single- creates potential seasonal in- These data supported, but did N. caninum). Further cell parasite recognized world- creases in the risk of N. caninum not confirm, the existence of a investigations are wide as a major cause of abortion transmission from wild cervids to sylvatic cycle of N. caninum. In needed to determine and neonatal mortality in cattle, canids. Seroprevalence and an effort to gather more informa- the risk of transmis- resulting in substantial economic clinical studies in deer had pro- tion, paired blood samples and sion of N. caninum losses to the cattle industry. vided indirect evidence that deer brain tissues were collected from between wildlife and Cattle are believed to become may take the place of cattle as deer during the 2001 deer hunt- domestic livestock, infected through the consumption intermediate hosts. Likewise, ing season. Tissue samples from and to compare the of soil, water, or feed contami- reports of N. caninum antibodies N. caninum seropositive deer efficiency of the syl- nated with canine feces contain- in coyotes, dingoes, and red were fed to dogs which resulted vatic and the domestic ing N. caninum oo- in the shed- cycle based on num- cysts (the stage of ding of N. ber of oocysts shed by the parasite capable caninum the definitive hosts of surviving in the oocysts, under similar chal- environment). In indicating lenges. Additional 1998, domestic dogs that deer studies are also were confirmed as are effi- needed to understand definitive hosts of N. cient inter- the impact of caninum. That is, in mediate neosporosis on wild- dogs, N. caninum hosts of the life populations. A can complete its life parasite fatal case of neo- cycle resulting in the and are sporosis in a Califor- shedding of oocysts capable of nian black-tailed deer in feces. Alterna- transmit- and postmortem find- tively, N. caninum ting N. ings of the parasite in can only undergo caninum to a full-term, still-born part of its develop- domestic deer in France provide ment in intermediate dogs. Re- evidence that clinical hosts such as cattle, Figure 1. Domestic cycle (proven) and suspected sylvatic cycle of N. cently, coy- neosporosis in deer caninum (now confirmed) as they overlap across species. Illustration by where the parasite Kerry Helms, University of Illinois otes were might be similar to remains encysted demon- cattle. (encapsulated) in tissues. Dogs foxes suggested that like domes- strated to shed N. caninum oo- and other scavengers may then tic dogs, wild canids could play a cysts after consuming tissues Luis F. Pita Gondim and become infected through the con- role in parasite transmission. from N. caninum-infected cattle. Milton M. McAllister, sumption of Neospora-infected We detected seropositivity In order to compare the isolated University of Illinois; tissues, such as bovine meat, pla- (antibodies for N. caninum) in N. caninum parasites obtained Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, centa, or aborted fetuses. 16.6% of 42 coyotes sampled in from deer and from cattle, we Center for Wildlife and While the domestic cycle of Illinois between 1997 and 1998. sequenced the internal tran- Plant Ecology; William N. caninum had been docu- On December 2001 during the scribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of C. Pitt, National Wildlife mented, the wildlife (sylvatic) second firearm deer hunting sea- the ribosomal DNA from each Research Center, Hilo cycle remained unknown. We son in Illinois, we found serop- isolate, and the results were iden- Field Station, Hilo, suspected that wild canids and ositive test results in 50% of 30 tical. These findings indicate Hawaii; David Mech and deer were natural reservoirs for hunter-killed white-tailed deer. that N. caninum has probably Michael Nelson, USGS N. caninum and that they shared Our subsequent serological stud- been cycling between domestic Northern Prairie Wildlife the transmission cycle of the ies aimed at the detection of anti- and wild animals. Research Center, parasite with domestic animals bodies for N. caninum in wild The discovery of new wildlife Minnesota; Mark S. (Fig. 1). During the hunting sea- animals detected 38.4% of 164 hosts of N. caninum and the abil- Lenarz, Minnesota sons, abundant offal (resulting gray wolves, 10.6% of 113 coy- ity of the parasite to cycle among Department of Natural from field dressing deer) be- otes, 25.9% of 193 white-tailed domestic and wild animals pose Resources comes available for consumption deer, and 13.1% of 61 moose new challenges for the control of by dogs and wild canids. This seropositive for N caninum. neosporosis (disease caused by

9 Species Spotlight Mudbugs, ditch bugs, river lobsters, jointed legs are present on the fish but other organisms. An crawly bottoms, or crawdads are all cephalothorax. The first pair are interesting relationship has de- common names for crayfish, a group pincerlike and called chelae. On veloped with the endangered of arthropods that resembles minia- the last segment of the abdomen Hines emerald dragonfly and ture lobsters. Crayfish are common is a broad flipper that helps pro- the devil crayfish. The Devil Crayfish inhabitants of wetlands—from pel the crayfish through the wa- dragonfly’s larvae will spend springs to large rivers, damp mead- ter. By folding their abdomens time in these burrows if their Susan Post ows to swamps and ditches. There down and forward, they are also primary habitat dries up; how- are approximately 353 species of able to swim backwards. ever, the crayfish are potential crayfish in the U.S. with 95% of Crayfish are omnivores and predators of the dragonfly. This them found in the Southeast. Illinois will consume whatever food is relationship is being studied at has 21 species of native crayfish. available. While their primary the Illinois Natural Carolyn History Nixon Sur- food is usually decaying vey. and living plant material, Crayfish leave their burrows they will also consume either in the fall or late winter- aquatic worms, insects, early spring to mate in open wa- snails, and dead animal ter. The females will carry the matter. sperm until oviposition. In Illi- The devil crayfish is nois, the devil crayfish will pro- abundant in the Shawnee duce eggs from March to May. Hills and the Coastal The female carries the eggs on Plain of southern Illinois, the short appendages of her ab- while it is less common in domen. These abdominal ap- northern and western Illi- pendages are in constant motion nois. It is found primarily to keep water flowing over the along streams or in low- eggs. Females brood the eggs land areas having clay until they are hatched. The soil. It is in these low- newly hatched crayfish hold lands that colonies often onto their mother until they occur with hundreds of molt two or three times. Once The devil crayfish chimneys. the young leave their mother, (Cambarus diogenes). A species found throughout Illi- The devil crayfish lives in a they seek cover in rocky parts of Photo by Chris Taylor, Center for burrow with a cone-shaped mud streams or the marginal vegeta- Biodiversity nois is the devil crayfish, Cambarus diogenes, named after the Greek phi- chimney. Its burrow can be up tion of standing water until they losopher Diogenes. They are multi- to a meter in length and is usu- are large enough (about 20 mm colored, brown to brownish red, ally at the side of a stream or in length) to burrow. The young green to blue, and are 36 to 48 mm pond. The chimney-topped hole crayfish will become capable of in length. Like all crayfish they have leads to an underwater chamber reproducing after they have two body regions, a cephalothorax and a second nearly horizontal molted 6–10 times. and abdomen. The cephalothorax is tunnel leads into the stream. The Threats to crayfish popula- the head and thorax fused together crayfish does its digging at tions include habitat damage and enclosed in a hard outer cover- night. The chimneys are piles of caused by impoundments, ing called a carapace. Crayfish pellets of mud or clay that the stream channelization, pollu- breathe through gills that are located crayfish brings up and deposits tion, and sedimentation. The under the carapace. Their eyes are around the opening of its bur- biggest threat,however, is non- on moveable stalks that allow sight row. These burrows can serve native crayfish introduced as in different directions. Five pairs of as refuges not only for the cray- fishing bait.

Definitions Solution jambalaya—an herb- seasoned, southern rice dish often prepared with crayfish, shrimp, or oys- ters.

etouffee—a crayfish stew, usually served over rice.

10 The Naturalist's Crayfish Word Search Apprentice

Below are lists of crayfish names, habitats, anatomy, and recipes that use crayfish as an ingredient. There is also a diagram showing crayfish external anatomy. Search the grid of letters below for these hidden words. The words can be horizontal, vertical, or Crayfish diagonal and begin from either end (for example, rivers or srevir). Word Search Carolyn Nixon

Crayfish names Crayfish habitats Crayfish recipes Crayfish anatomy

decapoda rivers jambalaya telson crustacean marsh etouffee chelae crayfish streams areola crawfish swamps pereiopods crawdad chimneys pleopods mud bug caves antenna carapace G O D G I L L I E C A P A R A C uropods Y P L E O P O D S R T C W L T M rostrum S E V A C R A Y F I S H O R R A P H I L H A L I K I T E L S O N P E R E I O P O D S R L L A S T D E K I M S T O S A E A I Y T E A N T E N N A M D Z A E W A R N D R O S E C C S W A M P S L U N W L A D Y O R K Y P S I D A M A A C R U S T A C E A N K O B S I R E I R A C W W I G M A P M U T C M E T O U F F E E I T O A S S N I X O N R I V E R S B R J A O L A M A R S H S G U B D U M N P

areola telson carapace uropods chelae pleopods

antennae

Underside of tail

rostrum pereiopods

“The Naturalist’s Apprentice” presents educational activities for middle school students. Teachers are invited to photocopy this 11page for classroom use. ILLINOIS Non-Profit Org. NATURAL U. S. Postage HISTORY PAID SURVEY Champaign, IL 61820 Permit 75 607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA

Teasel seeds by wind, continued from front page rather than by vehicular traf- fic. We cur- family (Dipsacaceae) are exotic— rently are there are no native relatives in the looking to family. Thus, when conducting determine if Illinois Natural History tests to assure specificity of ar- any native Survey Reports is thropod agents, there are no close insects or published quarterly by relatives to test, meaning the ini- mites may be the Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 tial assays will be conducted us- feeding on the East Peabody Drive, ing relatives of teasel from the plant. We also Champaign, IL 61820. Old World. Although host speci- are assessing Headquartered on the campus of the ficity of agents is still critical, the other control Teasel leaf in France shows insect feeding damage University of Illinois at methods, such caused by its natural enemies. Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS lack of close relatives may make European Biological Control Laboratory, Montpellier, France Urbana-Champaign, the process of finding biological as the optimal the Survey is a division of the Illinois control agents a little easier. timing of Department of Natural At the same time that the for- mowing to minimize seed spread Robert Wiedenmann, Center for Resources. eign exploration is ongoing, we and whether combinations of Ecological Entomology and Judy A.D. are studying the ecology of the mowing and herbicide use may Parrish, Millikin University and affiliate of Center for Ecological INHS Reports is edited plant in Illinois habitats. Our make the plant more vulnerable by Tom Rice and studies along Interstate 72 near to multiple tactics. We hope that Entomology Charlie Warwick and Decatur and at the Mascoutin these studies will prepare us for printed on recycled and recyclable paper. State Recreation Area at Clinton the potential introduction of ar- Design by Otto-Walker Lake have already shown in- thropod agents and help us fit Communications. creases in size of teasel patches biological control into the cur- due to mowing and dispersal of rent management regimens.

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