The allochthonus cayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Crustacea Cambaridae) from the subterranean stream of the Ausi cave (Latium, Italy): the second documented case of cave invasion

In this paper, data on the second case in Europe of hypogean environment invasion by the crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Crustacea Cambaridae) are reported. Sixteen specimens were collected and measured during spring and late summer 2017 and other numerous specimens were observed from the entrance until 500 meters inside the cave. The presence of at least two shelter tunnels dug on the clayey stream bank suggests a stable colonization of the cave. Many individuals collected were characterized by bluish chaele indicating sexual activity. The omnivorous diet of this crayfish, its resistance to adverse environmental conditions, its high reproduction rate and dispersal capability allow us to predict tha