Two new species and new records of macrobiotus (Eutardigrada) from New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand specimens identified as Macrobiotus liviae Ramazzotti, 1962 by Horning et al. (1978) do not belong to that species but to five species: Macrobiotus pseudoliviae n. sp., Macrobiotus armatus n. sp., Macrobiotus montanus Murray, 1910, Macrobiotus diffusus Binda & Pilato, 1987 (new record for New Zealand), and Macrobiotus hieronimi Pilato & Claxton, 1988 (new record for New Zealand). Macrobiotus pseudoliviae differs from Macrobioitus liviae in the buccal armature, the shape of claws, and in the morphology of the egg. Macrobiotus armatus is clearly identified by a spur on the main branch of the claws on the first three pairs of legs. © The Royal Society of New Zealand 1996.