ILLINOIS CAVE AMPHIPOD (Gammarus acherondytes)

Description: The Illinois cave amphipod is a tiny crustacean found in the dark zones of cave streams in Illinois. It is light blue-gray but may appear translucent. This species is considered very important because its health is an indicator of groundwater quality in the area where it occurs. It is currently threatened by groundwater contamination as well as human disturbance within Illinois caves.

IUCN Status: Endangered

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USFWS Status: Endangered

Major Threat: Groundwater contamination and human disturbance

Habitat: Dark zones of cave streams

Location: Illinois

Diet: Dead animals and plants