Noticed this tower of mud balls in the middle of my lawn this morning. It’s about 4 inches high with a hole in the center. What made this?

While the immediate assumption might be that these are the creations of insects or small mammals, understanding the exact builders requires a closer look at the environmental conditions and the construction style of these mud towers.

The architects behind these peculiar mud towers are usually terrestrial crayfish, also known as burrowing crayfish. Unlike their aquatic relatives, these crayfish have adapted to life on land and are often found in areas with moist soil conditions. They are nocturnal creatures, which means they do most of their work under the cover of darkness, contributing to the surprise when these towers appear seemingly out of nowhere.

Burrowing crayfish are fascinating creatures that can measure between 3 to 6 inches in length. They dig elaborate burrows into the ground, sometimes reaching depths of several feet, to create a habitat that remains humid and safe from predators. The mud chimneys serve as ventilation shafts for these burrows, allowing the crayfish to breathe while underground.