Fig. 3From: First record of cysts in the tidal tardigrade Echiniscoides sigismundi 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 (c1–c3). 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 Back to article page