First record of cysts in the tidal tardigrade Echiniscoides sigismundi

Table 1 Specific information on the specimens reported in the current study

Specimen	Sampling (month and year)	Experimental treatment	Cuticle layers	Buccopharyngeal apparatus	Remarks
L1	March 2013	Hypotonic	3	Aberrant	Least developed
L2	September 2012	Hypertonic	3	Normal
L3	September 2013	No treatment	3	Normal
L4	November 2013	Hypotonic/desiccation	3	Normal
R2	July 2012	Hypertonic	3	Normal
R1	July 2012	Hypotonic	4	Aberrant^a	Most developed

Tardigrades were sampled at Lynæs (Denmark) and Roscoff (France) and are accordingly designated with an “L” or “R”. The status of the buccopharyngeal apparatus and cuticle layers refer to the latest stage of encystment observed for the given specimen. The number of cuticle layers includes the animal cuticle
^aSclerified parts discharged into second cuticle

ISSN: 1438-3888