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Fig. 3 | Helgoland Marine Research

Fig. 3

From: First record of cysts in the tidal tardigrade Echiniscoides sigismundi

Fig. 3

Schematic representation of cyst formation in Echiniscoides sigismundi. The proposed encystment processes based on the six specimens observed in the present study (L1-4 and R1-2). a Active animal with a single cuticle (c1). b The first observed stage of encystment resembles a molting animal with newly synthesized claws and cuticle (c2) as well as a closed mouth and anus. It is reasonable to assume that a stage exists, between a and b, in which buccopharyngeal sclerified parts have been discharged. Such a stage was, however, not directly observed and thus it is not depicted in the current figure. c Cyst with two cuticular coats (c1–c2) and an animal with fully developed buccopharyngeal apparatus retracted into a tun-like state. d Cyst, represented by R1, with three cuticular coats (c1c3). The animal inside this cyst is lined with a fourth cuticle layer (c4) and sclerified parts of the buccopharyngeal apparatus have been discharged into c2

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