| Eutardigrades Temporal range: Cretaceous–Recent[1] |
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|---|---|
| Hypsibius dujardini | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| (unranked): | Panarthropoda |
| Phylum: | Tardigrada |
| Class: | Eutardigrada |
| Orders and genera | |
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Eutardigrada are a class of Tardigrada without lateral appendices. Primarily freshwater bound, some species have secondarily gained the ability to live in marine environments (Halobiotus). By cryptobiosis many species are able to live temporarily in very dry environments.
The order Apochaela consists of only one family, Milnesiidae, with two genera: Milnesium and Limmenius. Milnesium tardigradum can be found worldwide and is one of the biggest species among tardigrades (up to 1.4 mm); similar-looking species have been found in Cretaceous amber.[1] The mouth of this predator has a wide opening, so the animal can eat rotifers and larger protists. The claws are characteristic. Other eutardigrades belong to the order Parachaela.