Fig. 2
From: First record of cysts in the tidal tardigrade Echiniscoides sigismundi
Additional Echiniscoides sigismundi cysts. a Dorsal view of L3. The animal is surrounded by two cuticle coats and, although partly retracted, it was still moving within the cyst. Note microbial growth in the anterior part of the cyst. b Close up of the anterior region of L3 revealing the buccopharyngeal apparatus. c Ventral view of posterior region of L3 revealing the newly synthesized claws (nc), which were discharged together with the second cyst cuticle. d Anterior end of L4 showing the three cuticle layers, a functional buccopharyngeal apparatus and newly synthesized claws. Note the closed mouth of the outer cuticle (c1). e Dorsal view of L4. The animal was moving within the outer cuticle (c1), while shedding the second cuticle (c2). c1–3 cuticles 1–3, cl claws, go gonopore, gu gut, nc new claws, pb pharyngeal bulb, oc oocyte, st stylets