TARDIGRADE KEY

Cucumibius

Cucumibius habitus
Modified from Tumanov DV, Shunatova NN, Fedyuk KA. 2024. Integrative description of Grevenius annulatus (Eutardigrada, Isohypsibioidea) from North-West Russia with new data on the species cuticular structure leads to the institution of a new genus. Zoologica Scripta. 00: 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12703

Class: Eutardigrada

Order: Parachela

Superfamily: Isohypsibioidea

Family: Isohypsibiidae

Click taxa for descriptions

Genus description from Tumanov et al. 2024 (supplement): “Body surface with numerous tubercles formed by protrusions of procuticle and covered by epicuticle with intracuticular pillars. Peribuccal structures consisted of six peribuccal lobes. AISM in the shape of crests, asymmetrical with respect to the frontal plane. The dorsal apophysis consists of the following parts: (i) a relatively massive anterior part followed by (ii) a broad and flat ridge with oblique latero-caudal processes equipped with a bulge (slightly transverse or sometimes bilobate) located above the bifurcation point, and (iii) a weakly developed flat ridge behind the bifurcation point. The ventral apophysis has the shape of thin crest, slightly thickened anteriorly and possessing two oblique latero-caudal processes. The buccal tube is rigid. Pharynx spherical with two elongate macroplacoids. Microplacoids or septula are absent. Claws of Isohypsibius-type. Eggs smooth, laid in exuviae. Female carries an exuvium with laid eggs attached to the dorsal surface of the cephalic region.”

Cucumibius pharyngeal apparatus
Cropped from Tumanov DV, Shunatova NN, Fedyuk KA. 2024. Integrative description of Grevenius annulatus (Eutardigrada, Isohypsibioidea) from North-West Russia with new data on the species cuticular structure leads to the institution of a new genus. Zoologica Scripta. 00: 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12703
Cucumbibius claws II, III, and IV
Cropped from Tumanov DV, Shunatova NN, Fedyuk KA. 2024. Integrative description of Grevenius annulatus (Eutardigrada, Isohypsibioidea) from North-West Russia with new data on the species cuticular structure leads to the institution of a new genus. Zoologica Scripta. 00: 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12703

Citations:

Tumanov DV, Shunatova NN, Fedyuk KA. 2024. Integrative description of Grevenius annulatus (Eutardigrada, Isohypsibioidea) from North-West Russia with new data on the species cuticular structure leads to the institution of a new genus. Zoologica Scripta. 00: 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12703

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Claw Symmetry Relative To Median Plane Of Leg?

Image from Bingemer J, Hohberg K. 2017. An illustrated identification key to the eutardigrade species (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada) presently known from European soils. Soil Organisms. 89 (3): 127-149.

Stylet Support Insertion Point As Percentage Of Buccal Tube Length

Stylet support insertion point = ss divided by Buccal tube length, as %. Note anterior measurements begin at anterior margin of stylet sheaths, ss is centred where stylet supports reach buccal tube (this requires a good dorsal or lateral view for proper measurement)

Image from Tumanov DV. 2006. Five new species of the genus Milnesium (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada, Milnesiidae). Zootaxa. 1122: 1-23.

Buccal Tube Long, Mouth At Anterior Of A Protrusible Snout

Images from Pilato G, Binda MG. 2010. Definition of families, subfamilies, genera, and subgenera of the Eutardigrada, and keys to their identification. Zootaxa. 2404: 1-54.

Pharyngeal Tube With Spiral Reinforcement

Images from Pilato G, Binda MG. 2010. Definition of families, subfamilies, genera, and subgenera of the Eutardigrada, and keys to their identification. Zootaxa. 2404: 1-54.

Peribuccal papillae?

Images from Pilato G, Binda MG. 2010. Definition of families, subfamilies, genera, and subgenera of the Eutardigrada, and keys to their identification. Zootaxa. 2404: 1-54.

(Lateral) cephalic papillae, peribuccal papillae, Milnesiidae - type claws, exceptionally wide (and usually short) buccal tube?

Cephalic image modified from Nelson DR, Guidetti R, Rebecchi L. 2009. Tardigrada. Ch. 14 in Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates, Thorp JH, Covich AP (eds.), 3rd ed.

Claw image modified from Pilato G, Binda MG. 2010. Definition of families, subfamilies, genera, and subgenera of the Eutardigrada, and keys to their identification. Zootaxa. 2404: 1-54.

Pharyngeal tube flexible?

Note: in a tardigrade with snout extended, the flex of the pharyngeal tube may not be obvious.

Images from Pilato G, Binda MG. 2010. Definition of families, subfamilies, genera, and subgenera of the Eutardigrada, and keys to their identification. Zootaxa. 2404: 1-54.

Serrated / dentate cuff / collar on legs IV

Left image from Kristensen RM. 1987. Generic revision of the Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada), with a discussion of the origin of the family. pp. 261-335 in Bertolani R (ed). Biology of Tardigrades: Selected symposia and monographs.

Right Image from Richters F. 1926. Tardigrada. in Krumbach T. 1927. Handbuch der Zoologie, 3rd band, Walter de Gruyter & Co.

Leg sensory structures

Typically papilla on leg IV (se4 in image) and variable shape on leg I

Image from Kristensen RM. 1987. Generic revision of the Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada), with a discussion of the origin of the family. pp. 261-335 in Bertolani R (ed). Biology of Tardigrades: Selected symposia and monographs.

Trunk appendages

Appendages (after Cirrus A) labeled according to plate … B (Scapular plate), C (First segmental plate), D (Second segmental plate), E (terminal plate). “B” is lateral, “Bd” is dorsal

Be careful! There can be great variability within a population, with individuals (especially juveniles) lacking some appendages. When in doubt, focus on other characters first!

Left image from Ramazzotti G, Maucci W. 1983. Il phylum Tardigrada(III edizione riveduta e aggiornata). English translation by C. W. Beasley, 1995. Memorie dell’ Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia 41: 1-1012.

Right image cropped from Kristensen RM. 1987. Generic revision of the Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada), with a discussion of the origin of the family. pp. 261-335 in Bertolani R (ed). Biology of Tardigrades: Selected symposia and monographs.

Cirrus A form

Images modified from Kristensen RM. 1987. Generic revision of the Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada), with a discussion of the origin of the family. pp. 261-335 in Bertolani R (ed). Biology of Tardigrades: Selected symposia and monographs.

Lower image (Mopsechiniscus) modified from du Bois-Reymond Marcus E. 1944. Sobre tardigrados brasileiros. Communicaciones Zoologicas del Museo de Historia Natural de Montevideo. 1(13): 1-19 plus plates.

Terminal / caudal plate with two notches?

Images modified from Kristensen RM. 1987. Generic revision of the Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada), with a discussion of the origin of the family. pp. 261-335 in Bertolani R (ed). Biology of Tardigrades: Selected symposia and monographs.

First image (Echiniscus) modified from Richters F. 1926. Tardigrada. in Krumbach T. 1927. Handbuch der Zoologie, 3rd band, Walter de Gruyter & Co.

Inner & outer buccal cirri present

Image modified from Nelson DR, Guidetti R, Rebecchi L. 2009. Tardigrada. Ch. 14 in Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates, Thorp JH, Covich AP (eds.), 3rd ed.

Pseudosegmental plate between last medial plate & terminal plate?

Note on 2nd image, what you see before the terminal plate is either no plate, or a full-width medial plate; don’t confuse the latter with a pseudosegmental plate!
Also, sometimes the pseudosegmental plate is paired, like segmental plates II & III. It’s still pseudosegmental!

Images from Clifford HF. 1991. Aquatic invertebrates of Alberta. University of Alberta Press, Alberta, Canada.

Segmental plates larger than intersegmental?

Image modified from Lindahl & Balser (1999), http://www.iwu.edu/~tardisdp/Keypage35.html

Any Paired Plates?

Modified from Lindahl K, Balser S.  1999. Key to tardigrade genera [Internet]. Available from: https://sun.iwu.edu/~tardisdp/Keypage33.html