Rediscovering the diversity of Brazilian limno-terrestrial tardigrades

Andre Rinaldo Senna Garraffoni,Emiliana Brotto Guidetti

doi:10.20396/revpibic262018383

Abstract

Due to the small size and the fragility of their bodies, that require specific handling and laboratory instruments, tardigrades have been little studied in terms of its taxonomy. In Brazil the limno-terrestrial tardigrades were not studied since the pioneers studies in the decades of 1940 and 1950. The present study aims to describe a new species of the genus Milnesium collected from Brazil using modern morphological techniques. This tardigrade is characterized by cuticle smooth, short cuticular bars under the claws IV, claw configuration [3-3][3-3] with internal and anterior spurs larger than external and posterior spurs, and dorsal pseudoplates.

Highlights

Tardigrades are aquatic microinvertebrates that feature four pairs of telescoping legs terminated in claws or digits and a have fairly characteristic buccal apparatus
The present study aims to describe a new species of the genus Milnesium collected from Brazil using modern morphological techniques
The present study aims to describe a new species of the genus Milnesium collected from Brazil using modern techniques for the study of the morphological features

Summary

Introduction

Tardigrades are aquatic microinvertebrates (generally they measure 0,05-1,2 mm) that feature four pairs of telescoping legs terminated in claws or digits and a have fairly characteristic buccal apparatus. Rediscovering the diversity of Brazilian limno-terrestrial tardigrades: new species collected in the trees of the University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. Abstract Due to the small size and the fragility of their bodies, that require specific handling and laboratory instruments, tardigrades have been little studied in terms of its taxonomy.

Results

Conclusion