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Species of Special Concern
Description
A very slender, moderate-sized darter reaching about 2 inches long. It is bright green with dark brown blotches and small red spots on the sides, and a belly fading to yellow or gold and white. The cheeks, opercles, and nape are scaled and the chest is bare.
Image by Ellen Edmondson and Hugh H. Chrisp (Cornell University)
Habitat Role
The Iowa Darter lives in clear, sluggishly vegetated streams and weedy areas of glacial lakes, marshes, and ponds. Forest clearing and drainage practices have reduced its habitat and warmed the remaining waters enough to eliminate this species in the southern part of its range. In the United States, it is now common only in non-agricultural areas.
In Colorado, the Iowa Darter is native to the South Platte Basin, where they are widespread, but relatively rare in samples. In West Plum Creek, Iowa darter seem strongly associated with beaver activity, as their ponds create favorable habitat. Spawning occurs in sandy areas or beneath stream banks in April and May.
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