Ramazzottius belubellus, a new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada: Parachela: Hypsibiidae) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, U.S.A.)

Researchers have identified and described a new species of tardigrade, Ramazzottius belubellus, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This discovery is notable for its unique dorsal spines—long, sharp, and triangular—which distinguish it from all other known Ramazzottius species. Unlike related species that feature small tubercles arranged in bands or a thin reticulum, R. belubellus stands out due to these distinctive spines. While superficially resembling R. baumanni, the new species differs by lacking flat, hemispherical tubercles and instead possessing sharp triangular spines on its dorsal side. The study highlights the biodiversity of microscopic organisms within UNESCO-listed sites like the Great Smoky Mountains, offering insights into tardigrade taxonomy and adaptation in extreme environments.

Bartels, P. J., Nelson, D. R., Kaczmarek, Ł., & Michalczyk, Ł. (2011). Ramazzottius belubellus, a new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada: Parachela: Hypsibiidae) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, U.S.A.). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 124(1), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.2988/10-13.1