Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Virile Crayfish

We found this poor dying northern crayfish (also known as the virile crayfish) washed up on a beach in our lake. It looked so perfect and beautiful, but alas, it didn't make it. 


Spectacular pincers with orange tips!


It was a little smelly, so I tried drying it out using salt. I left it out on my deck during this 'process,' in the hopes I could keep the chitinous skeleton in my treasure collection. But no! After maybe a week of being outside, not smelling, and looking better than ever, it disappeared off my deck, probably taken by a raccoon. Maybe they like salted crayfish, a particular delicacy? Bummer.


2 comments:

Wendy said...

It's sad to watch any little creature die.....

Debbie said...

Agreed - I thought keeping its exoskeleton for admiring in my showcase would make it a little more okay!