Integrative Redescription of the <i>Minibiotus intermedius</i> (Plate, 1888)—The Type Species of the Genus <i>Minibiotus</i> R.O. Schuster, 1980

Abstract

In the present study, we used the integrative taxonomy approach to redescribe Minibiotus intermedius based on the newly found topotypic population in Marburg (Germany). As the original type material is not available, we designate a neotype to stabilize the taxonomy of the genus Minibiotus. Obtained mitochondrial COI barcode sequence and nuclear markers, i.e., 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA of M. intermedius from the neotype locality, were unique and distinct from those deposited in GenBank. In the first redescription of M. intermedius, only four specimens and no eggs from the neotype locality were analyzed. Moreover, genetic analyses were not conducted and barcodes were not available. Therefore, the present study, by establishing the neotype and providing integrative data on the neotype population, helps to better define the Minibiotus taxonomy and prevents further misunderstandings in the future.

Keywords

• Europe
• Eutardigrada
• Germany
• Macrobiotidae
• Tardigrada
• taxonomy