Macrobiotus derkai, a new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae, huziori group) from the Colombian Andes (South America)

Abstract

A new species, Macrobiotus derkai sp. nov., is described from a moss sample collected in the alpine zone of Sierra Nevada del Cocuy Mts (NE Colombia). It differs from the most similar species, Macrobiotus huziori Michalczyk & Kaczmarek, 2006 mainly in the location of the second macroplacoid and in the dimensions of accessory points on the claws. Eggs of the new species have the same type of areolation as eggs of M. huziori but they differ from the latter in the size and number of processes. The differences between the new species and others having similar number and shape of placoids are discussed. An identification key for these species is also provided. A round depression on the dorsal head cuticle is reported in Tardigrada for the first time. The results of a morphometric analysis of the new species are also given.