Integrative description of <i>Macrobiotus porifini</i> sp. nov. (Macrobiotidae) from Madagascar and its phylogenetic position within the <i>hufelandi</i> group

In this paper we applied an integrative taxonomy approach to describe a new tardigrade species from Madagascar. The description is based on morphological and morphometric data (using both light scanning electron microscopy), combined with genetic (nuclear sequences, i.e., 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA mitochondrial COI sequences). Based egg chorion morphology the most similar to: Mac. hannae, joannae, kamilae, madegassus, modestus, paulinae polypiformis, but differs them in several morphometrical characters of eggs adults (e.g. absence eyes, different oral cavity armature, size cuticular pores, dentated lunules under claws, processes, shape terminal discs processes). uncorrected p–distances enabled independent verification Macrobiotus porifini sp. nov. as science. Genetic analysis also allowed us determine phylogenetic position within hufelandi group.urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7D719ACC-84E3-4C1B-9B74-C558788B3140