Acidification-sensitivity
Guides
Drunella coloradensis
Small Western Green Drake
Drunella coloradensis is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae, commonly known to anglers as the Small Western Green Drake. The species is found in freshwater streams across western North America, with a range extending from Alaska and northern Canada through the western United States to northern Mexico and Central America. Nymphs are known to alter their behavior in response to short-term pH reductions, becoming more active under acidic conditions. The species is of particular importance to fly fishermen, who imitate its various life stages with artificial flies.
Faxonius virilis
Northern Crayfish, Virile Crayfish
Orconectes virilis is a medium-sized freshwater crayfish native to North America, widely distributed across Canada and the northern United States. The species is notable for its well-documented behavioral ecology, including complex social hierarchies, territorial home range behavior, and sophisticated predator avoidance mechanisms. It has been extensively studied as a model organism for agonistic behavior, chemical communication, and escape response mechanics. The species is currently expanding its range westward into Alberta and shows adaptability to varying environmental conditions, though acidification poses reproductive challenges.