In this paper we describe Macrobiotus paulinae, a new species of the hufelandi group from the Kenyan highlands. In addition to the traditional taxonomic description, aided with morphometrics as well as light and scanning microscopy imaging, we also provide nucleotide sequences of three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI) DNA fragment of the new species. The sequences allowed not only a more accurate description but also provided an independent verification of the taxonomic status of Ma. paulinae sp. nov. Such integrative approach requires a considerable number of individuals and eggs, which we have partially subsidised by employing an in vitro culture of the new species. Our analyses revealed that Ma. paulinae sp. nov. is most similar to Macrobiotus madegassus Maucci, 1993 and Macrobiotus modestus Pilato & Lisi, 2009, however it differs from these species, as well as from all other known species of the hufelandi group, by the presence of seven paired dorso-lateral patches of cuticular granulation and the presence of chorionic filaments growing out of terminal discs of egg processes. Macrobiotus paulinae sp. nov. is an example of a species with a miniaturised buccal apparatus (i.e. with reduced peribuccal lamellae and oral cavity armature, and stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube more anteriorly than in typical Ma. hufelandi group species), and it therefore resembles two recently described two-macroplacoided Minibiotus species: Mi. acadianus Meyer & Domingue, 2011 and Mi. julianae Meyer, 2012. The re-examination of the type material for these two species confirmed that they are equipped with peribuccal lamellae and therefore we transfer them to the genus Macrobiotus, specifically to the hufelandi group.

Species of the Macrobiotus hufelandi group are one of the most often recorded tardigrades throughout the globe. For over a century M. hufelandi has been considered cosmopolitan but in recent decades numerous species of similar morphologies have been described from various continents, which suggests that what was originally defined as a single taxon is, in fact, a complex of species. The definition of the hufelandi group is subject to a long-standing discussion and in this paper we propose a refined set of characters that are hoped to elucidate the taxonomic status of the group. In order to aid interspecific comparisons, we also propose a unified nomenclature for the crucial morphological traits and clar

In four samples of mosses and mosses mixed with lichens collected in the Peruvian region of Cusco, 344 tardigrades, 78 free-laid eggs and six simplexes were found. In total, nine species were identified: Cornechiniscus lobatus, Echiniscus dariae, E. ollantaytamboensis, Isohypsibius condorcanquii sp. nov., Macrobiotus pisacensis sp. nov., Milnesium krzysztofi, Minibiotus intermedius, Paramacrobiotus intii sp. nov. and Pseudechiniscus ramazzottii ramazzottii. Isohypsibius condorcanquii sp. nov. is most similar to I. baldii, but differs mainly by the absence of ventral sculpture, the presence of the oral cavity armature, a different macroplacoid length sequence and a different shape of macroplacoids. The new species also differs from other congeners by a different dorsal sculpture, the absence of cuticular bars under the claws and the absence of eyes. Macrobiotus pisacensis sp. nov. differs from the most similar M. ariekammensis and M. kirghizicus by a different oral cavity armature, the presence of cuticular pores, details of egg morphology and some morphometric characters of both animals and eggs. Paramacrobiotus intii sp. nov. differs from most similar species of the genus by a different type of the oral cavity armature, details of egg morphology and some morphometric characters of both animals and eggs. In addition, we briefly discuss the tardigrade fauna of Peru, and propose a simple and economic system of describing relative lengths of pharyngeal macroplacoids. The system is especially useful in interspecific comparisons and differential diagnoses.

In this paper we redescribe two species (Milnesium eurystomum Maucci, 1991 and Milnesium tardigradum Doyère, 1840) and one subspecies (Milnesium tardigradum granulatum Ramazzotti, 1962), which we elevate to the species level. We establish a new type series for M. tardigradum sensu stricto along with the sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2). Moreover, we define two species groups within the genus based on the appearance of the dorso-lateral cuticle (the tardigradum and the granulatum group, with smooth and reticulated cuticle, respectively) and propose a system for denotation of the number of points on secondary branches of claws in the genus. We also provide a diagnostic key to all described Milnesium species and discuss the world distribution of the genus.

This paper is the third monograph of the series that describes the global records of limno-terrestrial water bears (Tardigrada). Here, we provide a comprehensive list of non-marine tardigrades recorded from the North America, providing an updated and revised taxonomy accompanied by geographic co-ordinates, habitat, and biogeographic comments. It is hoped this work will serve as a reference point and background for further zoogeographical and taxonomical studies.