Neoarctus primigenius n. G., n. sp., a new stygarctidae of the tyrrhenian sea (tardigrada, arthrotardigrada)

Abstract

A new Stygarctidae, Neoarctus primigenius n.g., n.sp. is described. It has been found in the sandy detritus of a rocky bottom covered with green algae at - 38 m depth in the Orosei Gulf off Sardinia (Tyrrhenian Sea). The most important characteristics of this species are the dorsal cuticular elements, the distribution of the cephalic sense organs in both the cephalic and scapular plates and the presence of three pairs of clavae. Taking into account the cuticular plates, the number and distribution of the sense organs, and the claw morphology, the affinities of this species with Oreellidae, Neostygarctidae and Renaudarctidae are here discussed. © 1992, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.