Precision species identification for rapid environmental assessment

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Public taxon detections (British Isles)

TaxaScreen® Signal crayfish

Pacifastacus leniusculus
Category: Invasive
Habitat: Freshwater

Turnaround time: 5 business days

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The signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is an invasive freshwater species in the UK, introduced in the 1970s for aquaculture. Native to North America, it has spread widely across UK waterways, outcompeting the native white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and contributing to its decline. Signal crayfish are highly adaptable and aggressive, with burrowing behaviour that erodes riverbanks and disrupts habitats. They are also carriers of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), which is lethal to native crayfish.
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
ACtive between march and November with greatest eDNA detection probability between May and September. Testing alongside crayfish plague is recommended.
Which sampling kit will I need to buy?

We sell our sampling kits separately from our testing so that our clients have maximum flexibility.

This test needs one of:

 
We are also able to accept sampling kits from other companies for this test. 

As soon as your order is received our system emails you a sample submission form for this test. Please check your junk mail if you haven’t received it within a few minutes of your order. 

The email comes with full instructions for submitting your sample to us to ensure the best quality testing. 

You will receive your results in your online account. 

The testing for detection of this species is carried out via real-time PCR (qPCR), which has the greatest sensitivity and specificity of all eDNA detection methods. 

For customers without a business account we accept pre-payment with a debit or credit card. 

For customers who have a business account we are able to offer terms, purchase orders, credit/debit card payments and invoicing payment options. You can apply for a business account at the same time as you register for an account at checkout.

If you have any questions about sampling strategy, panel suitability, or anything else, book a free consultation with one of our molecular ecologists.