Barbicambarus simmonsi

Barbicambarus simmonsi is a species of giant crayfish discovered in southern Tennessee in 2010.[1][2] The discovery was announced in January 2011.[2]

The animal was discovered in Shoal Creek, a stream in southern Tennessee that ultimately drains into the Tennessee River.[3] The first specimen was discovered by and named for Tennessee Valley Authority scientist Jeffrey Simmons in 2010.[1] University of Illinois aquatic biologist Christopher A. Taylor and Guenter A. Schuster of Eastern Kentucky University found a second specimen and authored the paper announcing the discovery of the new species.[1][2] The creek has been studied for half a century, so this species is believed to be rare.[4] Taylor further suggests that discovery of such a large species there now indicates that more money should be spent on research inside the United States.[2]