The red swamp crayfish in europe: lessons for invasion biology

Since 1973, the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, from Louisiana has been successfully introduced into many European aquatic systems, where its ecological plasticity has favored the presence of many reproductive populations (Gherardi and Holdich 1999). Here we present results from studies conducted by our lab through six years of research. Main points of discussion will be: (a) Dynamics of this species invasion throughout Europe (using molecular techniques and radio-telemetry). (b) Biological traits as prerequisites of its invasive potential (e.g. life history patterns, resistance to extreme environments, feeding ecology). (c) Its impact on the invaded habitats. (d) Hypotheses on its control and management. Acknowledgments: Funds were provided by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research and by the Tuscan Region.