[2] However, the genus extends as far westward as the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado, inhabiting a variety of freshwater environments.

Diets are largely plant-based, though Cambarus also consume small marine organisms like molluscs, larvae, tadpoles and amphibian eggs.

[3] The genus is central to many freshwater food webs as they help maintain water quality through consumption of algae.

[5] Cave-dwellers like Cambarus jonesi are at risk due to their lack of genetic diversity and low population count.

Other species like Cambarus veteranus are at risk due to human practices like logging and mining, which increase sediment amounts in freshwater environments.

Cambarus remain relatively inactive during periods of molting, as the shedding of chitinous exoskeletons leaves them more vulnerable to predation and injury.