An integrative description of a new Richtersius species from Greece (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Richtersiusidae)

In this paper, we describe a new tardigrade species, Richtersius tertius sp. n., from Greece. The description is based on morphological and morphometric analysis using light scanning electron microscopy as well genetic four molecular markers (DNA sequences of three nuclear, i.e., 18S rRNA, 28S ITS-2 one mitochondrial COI fragment). Morphological differences, together with comparisons, provide independent verifications n. species to science. Phenotypically, the taxon differs coronifer (Richters, 1903) ziemowiti Kayastha, Berdi, Miaduchowska, Gawlak, Łukasiewicz, Gołdyn, Jędrzejewski et Kaczmarek, 2020 mainly by morphology size cuticular pores, present only in hatchlings (first instars), some characters. results presented herein contribute further recognition variability biodiversity within Richtersius, being third formally described genus.