KEY TO THE SPECIES OF MARINE TARDIGRADA OF THE WORLD 



The following key is designed for the artificial separation of marine tardigrades. Morphological characters are utilized for 

 easy identification and are not intended to fully describe the animals. While examination of living animals at high power or oil 

 immersion is imperative for complete and accurate descriptions, specimens fixed in 10% Formalin or 70% alcohol are usually 

 recognizable. The illustrations are variously modified from original illustrations or descriptions. Important distinguishing 

 features are indicated on each figure by short pointer lines. 



1 Legs terminate in claws which attach directly, or if on toes are longer than toes 2 



1 Legs terminate in toes without claws or with claws shorter than toes 12 



2 1/1 Central two claws on each leg bear hairlike extensions 3 



2 {!) Claws without hairlike extensions 6 



3 (2) Caudal spikes absent; anterior margin of head deeply sculptured , 4 



3 (2) Caudal spike present; anterior margin of head much less deeply sculptured 5 



4 iS) Lateral extensions of dorsal plates end in two points Parastygarctus higgiiisi 



4 {S) Lateral extensions of dorsal plates end in single 



point Parastygarctus sterreri 



