Tardigrada of New Zealand

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Abstract
This paper treats the biosystematics of 55 species of Tardigrada found in New Zealand and its offshore islands. The genera Oreella, Echiniscus, Pseudechiniscus, Hypsibius, Macrobiotus, Limmenius n.gen., and Milnesium are represented. Areas sampled included Campbell Island, the Chatham Islands, D'Urville Island, the North Island, the Open Bay Islands, the South Island (and small islands in Fiordland), The Snares islands, Stewart Island, and the Three Kings Islands. There were 1354 collections comprising algae, bryophytes, fungi, lichens, and marine, freshwater, litter, and soil samples. Tardigrades were recovered from 577 terrestrial and semi-terrestrial habitats; no marine tardigrades were found. The systematics section includes keys to the taxa, illustrations, diagnoses, and descriptions of species. The following new species and subspecies are described - Echiniscus (Echiniscus) nigripustulus, E. (E.) porabrus, E. (E.) viniculus, E. (E.) zetrotrymus, Hypsibius (Hypsibius) allisoni, H. (Isohypsibius) wilsoni, Macrobiotus bisoctus, M. intermedius subjulietae, M. rawsoni, M. snaresensis, M. zyxiglobus, and Limmenius porcellus. Holotypes of the new species and subspecies are deposited in the National Museum of New Zealand, Wellington. The ecology and geographical distribution of tardigrades within New Zealand are discussed. Abbreviated collection data and a list of plant species from which tardigrades were extracted are included.

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