Morphology and taxonomy of the genus <i>Ramazzottius</i> (Eutardigrada; Ramazzottiidae) with the integrative description of <i>Ramazzottius kretschmanni</i> sp. nov

The species of the genus Ramazzottius (Ramazzottiidae, Eutardigrada) are among most common and widespread tardigrade in world. Most 28 have been described only with morphological characters which were time represented drawings. discovery a new this Black Forest (Germany) provided opportunity to compare type specimens ten species, propose status dubia for edmondabouti, through photographs elucidate anatomy animals eggs (in particular head sensory regions, eye spots, buccal tube, ornamentations dorsal posterior cuticle, morphology egg processes). These thorough observations led better understanding diversity evolution, not cosmopolitan genus, but also other eutardigrade genera. kretschmanni is an integrative approach integrating (light electron microscopy morphometric data) molecular (cox1 ITS2 genes) data. PTP ASAP analyses confirmed validity from point view. morphologically similar oberhaeuseri, distinguishable by smooth presence “cheek-like” area on head, size processes as well different sequences markers.