In a recent paper published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, Daniel Stec described two new species of tardigrades, Macrobiotus ovovittatus and Macrobiotus mileri. The new species descriptions utilised light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing intricate morphological details.
Photo: Daniel Stec. Tardigrades photographed under a light microscope.
The first newly described species, M. ovovittatus, was found in Greenland. What sets it apart is its unique egg surfaces, resembling crocheted napkins. Meanwhile, M. mileri, found in Israel, has a distinct pore arrangement on its body cuticle. These new species descriptions expand our understanding of tardigrade diversity and shed light on the complex evolutionary relationships within the genus.
By integrating various types of data, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of tardigrade diversity. This approach not only aids in species delineation but also provides valuable insights into ongoing debates within tardigrade taxonomy. In the case of this particular study, this is concerning the classification of the genus Xerobiotus. The study's molecular analyses offer insights into the broader phylogeny of tardigrades.
You can check out the full paper, here.