22 
Charles K. Biernbaum 
Virginia. Holsinger (1972) has reported that the northern and southern 
forms of this subspecies differ morphologically. In fact, the systematics 
of the entire C. obliquis-richmondensis group is presently unclear 
(Holsinger 1972). 
Crangonyx serratus occurs in the coastal plain and piedmont areas 
from Florida to Maryland (Holsinger 1972). Bousfield (1958) pointed 
out that the first record of this species in the literature was Say’s (1818) 
report of specimens from South Carolina, which Say identified as 
“ Ampithoe dentata .” Holsinger (1972) mentioned that C. serratus 
commonly co-occurs with C. r. richmondensis. 
Decapods 
Palaemonetes paludosus was found in large numbers in all types of 
aquatic habitats, with the exception of those that are isolated and 
occasionally dry out. It was most abundant from fall to early winter. 
From midwinter through late spring there was a reduction in abundance, 
with an increase from summer through late fall (Table 8). However, 
some locations had abundant numbers at all seasons. Brooding females 
of P. paludosus occurred from May through July. Postlarvae were 
abundant by June, and immature individuals were dominant from then 
through August. Average individual size increased notably through fall 
and winter. 
The type locality for P. paludosus is Charleston County, S.C. 
(Gibbes 1850). It has been subsequently reported from the state by other 
authors, including Hobbs et al. (1976). This species is common in fresh 
waters of the coastal plain and lower piedmont east of the Appalachians 
from New Jersey to Florida and thence west to Texas (Fitzpatrick 
1983). It has also been introduced to several areas outside of its natural 
range (Hobbs et al. 1976). Hobbs et al. (1976) report that the species is 
most abundant where vegetation is dense, as is usually the condition in 
Santee Refuge impoundments and ditches. The life history of the species 
at the refuge agrees with reported studies: Ovigerous females occur in 
spring; young appear in midsummer; young increase in size until they 
reproduce the following spring, soon after which death occurs. Fleming 
(1969) and Strenth (1976) have emphasized the importance of setal 
characteristics of the appendix masculina when distinguishing among 
different species of Palaemonetes. Both of these authors report that P. 
paludosus has four apical setae on this structure. However, I found this 
characteristic to be variable, with specimens collected having from four 
to six apical setae. Significant variations in spine position on the telson 
were also observed. 
Of the four species of crayfish found, only one ( Procambarus 
blandingii) was common. The other three species ( P . hirsutus , P. 
