Vernal Crayfish-Procambarus uiaeviridus (Faxon)

Adults of this crayfish are rust-red with a blackish wedge-shaped central stripe along the length of the abdomen. The carapace is smooth, and is separated at the middle by a narrow space (areola). The rostrum is broad and without lateral notches or spines near its tip. The pincers are moderately long and slender. Adults are about 1.8 to 3 inches in length.

The vernal crayfish occurs in the Lowlands of southeastern Missouri. In late winter and spring when water levels are high, this crayfish is found in temporarily flooded sloughs and other depressions. As water levels recede in late spring and early summer, it retreats into burrows, not to be seen again until the next wet-weather period.

Other similar crayfish within the range of the species are the red swamp crayfish and the White River crayfish. These species have a narrower rostrum (often with lateral spines) and a granular (roughened) carapace.

Article Source:

http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/crayfish/varcraw.htm