Notahypsibius scaber ( Maucci, 1987 ) Tumanov, 2020

Tumanov, Denis V., 2020, Integrative redescription of Hypsibius pallidoides Pilato et al., 2011 (Eutardigrada: Hypsibioidea) with the erection of a new genus and discussion on the phylogeny of Hypsibiidae, European Journal of Taxonomy 681, pp. 1-37 : 23

Notahypsibius scaber ( Maucci, 1987) gen. et comb. nov.

Fig. 9 A–I

Hypsibius scaber Maucci, 1987: 200 , figs 11–12 (description).

Material examined

Holotype

USA • Yellowstone Park , near Undina Falls; Aug. 1984; W. Maucci leg.; moss on tree trunk; MCVR C.T. 12289 .

Paratype

USA • 1 spec.; same collection data as for holotype; MCVR C.T. 12288 .

Notes

The species described as Hypsibius scaber Maucci, 1987 (known from North America only; Maucci 1987) is very similar to N. pallidoides gen. et comb. nov. in having cuticular sculpture consisting of irregular ridges ( Fig. 9 A–B, D–E), highly differentiated external and internal claws that closely resemble the Ramazzottius - type claws ( Fig. 9 H–I), and a similar bucco-pharyngeal apparatus with a thin buccal tube and minute dot-like septulum ( Fig. 9C, F ). In my opinion, it should be transferred to the genus Notahypsibius gen. nov. as Notahypsibius scaber gen. et comb. nov. It seems also that N. scaber gen. et comb. nov. has cephalic elliptical organs ( Fig. 9G ), but their presence requires further confirmation because of the difficulties in observing the dorsal surface of the type specimens (R. Guidetti, pers. com.). Notahypsibius pallidoides gen. et comb. nov. differs from N. scaber gen. et comb. nov. in having a less developed cuticular sculpture, especially on the ventral side of the body ( Fig. 9 D–E), and in having external claws with the common base thinner and longer in relation to the secondary branch. It should be noted that the comparison of N. pallidoides gen. et comb. nov. with N. scaber gen. et comb. nov. cannot be considered to have definitively resolved the possible synonymy of these species. The latter species description was based on only two specimens, both of which have most of their claws in positions that obstruct observation and correct measurement. Also, the eggs of N. scaber gen. et comb. nov. are unknown.

Figures

Fig. 9. Hypsibius scaber Maucci, 1987, holotype (MCVR C.T. 12289) (A–G, I) and paratype (MCVR C.T. 12288) (H). A. Dorsal view of the caudal body end, PhC. B. Dorsal view of the caudal body end, DIC. C. Bucco-pharyngeal apparatus, PhC. D. Ventral view of the caudal body end, PhC. E. Ventral view of the caudal body end, DIC. F. Bucco-pharyngeal apparatus, DIC. G. Dorsal surface of the head region, white arrowheads indicate the presumable elliptical sensory organs, DIC. H. Claws of leg III, PhC. I. Claws of leg IV, PhC. Scale bars: A–B, D–E = 20 µm; C, F–I = 10 µm. Photo G presented by R. Guidetti, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.