taxonID	type	description	language	source
03E42549FFDAFFE5DF02E4AD42DFD2FE.taxon	description	(Figure 1; Table I) Material examined Gela (Caltanissetta): holotype (slide N. 1118); Pietra Cannone (Mt Etna, Fornazzo): four specimens. The description of the species is confirmed but we noted the presence of granules of pigment also in the position of the eyes. We suspect that in the description of Binda (1969) these granules were mistaken for eyes. The holotype is mounted in polyvinyl lactophenol and therefore it is not possible to solve this problem, it is therefore necessary to find other specimens. In the description, Binda (1969) wrote that one accessory point is present on the main branches of the claws; we noted that the orientation of the claws makes it difficult to see the accessory points, but on one claw two accessory points seem to be present. The claws have wide branches and, as a consequence, they appear stout (Figure 1 B, C); on the hind legs the basal portion of the claws is wide with well-visible basal spines; smaller basal spines are present on the claws (both external and internal) of the first three pairs of legs (Figure 1 B). In Figure 1 A the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus is shown. In Table I the dimensions of some structures of the holotype are indicated.	en	Pilato, Giovanni, Binda, Maria Grazia, Bertolani, Roberto, Lisi, Oscar (2005): Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae). Journal of Natural History 39 (14): 1029-1041, DOI: 10.1080/00222930400001590, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930400001590
03E42549FFDBFFE7DFFEE11742C3D490.taxon	description	(Figure 2; Table I) Material examined Mt Etna: Serra La Nave (1715 m): two specimens: holotype (slide N. 1877) and paratype. Description of the holotype Body length 217 M m, colourless, cuticle smooth without pearls; eyes seem to be absent. The specimens were mounted in polyvinyl lactophenol more than 30 years ago, and no specification about the presence of eyes is indicated on the label. The bucco-pharyngeal apparatus is shown in Figure 2 A. The bucco-pharyngeal tube, measured from the anterior margin of the stylet sheaths to the base of the pharyngeal apophyses, is 49.9 M m in length; the buccal tube, measured from the anterior margin of the stylet sheaths to the end of the drop-shaped thickening is 21.6 M m in length (pbf 543.3) and 2.5 M m wide (ptd 511.6). The stylet supports are inserted on the buccal tube at 67.2 % of its length (ptd 567.2). The pharyngeal bulb has apophyses, three rod-shaped macroplacoids and microplacoid; the septulum is absent. The entire placoid row is 18.5 M m in length (ptd 585.6) including the microplacoid, 16.5 M m (ptd 576.4) excluding it; the first macroplacoid is 4.9 M m long (ptd 522.7), the second 4.6 M m (ptd 521.3), the third 6.9 M m (ptd 531.9), the microplacoid 1.8 M m (ptd 58.3). The claws (Figure 2 B, C) have wide branches and as a consequence they appear stout. The claws of the hind legs (particularly the posterior claws) have an enlarged basal portion medially and laterally prolonged in a cuticular thickening and basal spines (Figure 2 C). Basal spines are also present on the external claws of the first three pairs of legs (the basal margin of the internal claws is smooth). Well-developed accessory points are present on the main branches of all claws. The internal claws are 6.4 M m long (ptd 529.6) on the second and third pair of legs, the external claws of the same pairs of legs are 8.6 M m long (ptd 539.8); on the hind legs the anterior claws are 7.3 M m long (ptd 533.8) and the posterior claws 9.2 M m (ptd 542.6). On the first three pairs of legs a cuticular bar is present near the base of the internal claws. Eggs not found. The paratype is similar to the holotype; in Table I the dimensions of some structures of the holotype and of the known paratype are indicated. Etymology The name serratum refers to the indentation of the basal margin of the claws. Remarks Diphascon serratum sp. n. differs from D. nobilei in having a longer bucco-pharyngeal tube with respect to the body length, stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a more caudal position (Table I), longer placoids both with respect to the body size and to the buccal tube length (Table I), shorter claws with less-evident basal spines (absent on the internal claws of the first three pairs of legs) (Figures 1, 2).	en	Pilato, Giovanni, Binda, Maria Grazia, Bertolani, Roberto, Lisi, Oscar (2005): Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae). Journal of Natural History 39 (14): 1029-1041, DOI: 10.1080/00222930400001590, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930400001590
03E42549FFD9FFE8DFB4E6FA43B8D084.taxon	description	(Figure 3; Table I) Material examined Emilia: Modena: Civago: eight specimens: holotype (slide N. 4928) and paratypes in chestnut wood leaves; Aeolian Island: Lipari (one specimen in a moss) sample, Panarea (two specimens in a moss sample). Description of the holotype Body length 231 M m, colourless, eyes absent, cuticle smooth without pearls. Buccopharyngeal apparatus is shown in Figure 3 A. The bucco-pharyngeal tube is 46.4 M m long; the rigid buccal tube 21 M m long (pbf 545.2) and 2 M m wide (ptd 59.5). The stylet supports are inserted on the bucal tube at 63.7 % of its length (ptd 563.7). The pharyngeal bulb (29 M m × 18.6 M m) has small apophyses, three rod-shaped macroplacoids and microplacoid, the septulum is absent. The first macroplacoid is 4.3 M m long (ptd 520.5), the second 4.0 M m (ptd 519), the third 6.5 M m (ptd 530.9), microplacoid 1.6 M m (ptd 57.6); the entire placoid row 17.7 M m in length (ptd 584.3) including the microplacoid, 15.5 M m (ptd 573.8) excluding it. The claws (Figure 3 B, C) have accessory points on the main branches; the claws of the hind legs (Figure 3 C) have the basal portion enlarged with the basal margin indented and prolonged in one medial and one lateral thickening. The branches are normally developed and not particularly wide. On the first three pairs of legs (Figure 3 B) the external claws have a slightly developed basal indentation; the basal margin of the internal claws is smooth. The internal claws are 7 M m long (ptd 533.3) on the second and third pairs of legs, the external claws of the same pairs of legs are 10.5 M m long (ptd 550); on the hind legs the anterior claws are 7.9 M m long (ptd 537.6) and the posterior claws 11.5 M m (ptd 554.8). A cuticular bar is present near the internal claws on the first three pairs of legs. Two exuviae with three and four smooth eggs were found. The paratypes are similar to the holotype. In Table I the dimensions of some structures of the smallest and of the largest measured specimens are indicated. Etymology The species is named nelsonae in honour of the tardigradologist, our dear friend, Diane Nelson (Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee University, Johnson City). Remarks Diphascon nelsonae sp. n. differs from D. nobilei in the following features: entire placoid row, and particularly the second and third macroplacoid, longer both with respect to the body length and to the buccal tube length (Table I), claws more slender with longer secondary branches, claw basal spines less evident (absent in the internal claws of the first three pairs of legs). The new species differs from D. serratum in having the support of the stylet inserted on the buccal tube in a more cephalic position (Table I), claws longer (Table I) and more slender with longer secondary branches, anterior and posterior claws of the hind legs are more different in shape and size from one another (Table I; Figures 2, 3).	en	Pilato, Giovanni, Binda, Maria Grazia, Bertolani, Roberto, Lisi, Oscar (2005): Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae). Journal of Natural History 39 (14): 1029-1041, DOI: 10.1080/00222930400001590, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930400001590
03E42549FFD7FFEADFC3E4AD43CAD24D.taxon	description	(Figure 4; Table I) Material examined Marche: Mt Vettore (Ascoli): Shelter Zilioli (2250 m): holotype (slide N. 4926) and three paratypes in meadow; Zilioli cross (2150 m) (three specimens in meadow); Latium: Sabaudia (Latina) (three specimens from mosses on sand dunes in pine-wood). Description of the holotype Body length 194 M m, colourless, eyes absent, cuticle smooth without pearls. Buccopharyngeal apparatus shown in Figure 4 A. The bucco-pharyngeal tube, measured as indicated in the description of D. serratum, is 45.2 M m long; the rigid buccal tube 20.8 M m long (pbf 546) and 1.7 M m wide (ptd 58.2). The stylet supports are inserted on the bucal tube at 62.9 % of its length (ptd 562.9). The pharyngeal bulb (27.4 M m × 19 M m) has small apophyses, three rod-shaped macroplacoids and microplacoid, the septulum is absent. The entire placoid row is 16.1 M m in length (ptd 577.4) including the microplacoid, 14.1 M m (ptd 567.8) excluding it. The first macroplacoid is 3.8 M m in length (ptd 518.3), the second 3.6 M m (ptd 517.3), the third 5.7 M m (ptd 527.4), microplacoid 1.7 M m (ptd 58.2). The claws (Figure 4 B – D) have accessory points on the main branches. The claws of the hind legs (Figure 4 C), particularly of the posterior claws, have the basal portion extremely enlarged; their branches are short; the indented basal margin of both internal and external claws appear prolonged in one medial and one lateral thickening. On the first three pairs of legs (Figure 4 B, D) the external claws have an indented basal margin, the internal claws have a smooth basal margin. The internal claws are 6.1 M m long (ptd 529.3) on the second and third pairs of legs, the external claws of the same pairs of legs are not measurable due to their unfavourable orientation (in other specimens the value of the ptd index relative to these claws is 36 – 39.3); on the hind legs the anterior claws are 6.5 M m long (ptd 531.2) and the posterior claws 8.5 M m long (ptd 540.9). A cuticular bar is present near the internal claws on the first three pairs of legs. Eggs not found. The paratypes are similar to the holotype. In Table I the dimensions of some structures of the smallest and of the largest measured specimens are indicated. Etymology The name platyungue refers to the shape of the basal portion of the hind legs. Remarks Diphascon platyungue sp. n. differs from D. nobilei in having claws shorter with respect to the buccal tube length (Table I), claws of the hind legs with a wider basal portion, internal claws on the first three pairs of legs without basal spines. The new species differs from D. serratum in having the stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a more cephalic position (Table I), narrower buccal tube, shorter placoids (Table I), claws of the hind legs with a wider basal portion. The new species differs from D. nelsonae in the following features: slightly longer buccal tube and, as a consequence, lower values of the ptd index relative to placoid row and to the claw length (Table I); claws shorter and less slender with shorter secondary branches, claws of the hind legs with a clearly larger basal portion (Figures 3, 4).	en	Pilato, Giovanni, Binda, Maria Grazia, Bertolani, Roberto, Lisi, Oscar (2005): Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae). Journal of Natural History 39 (14): 1029-1041, DOI: 10.1080/00222930400001590, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930400001590
03E42549FFD4FFECDFC3E0BB4306D5AD.taxon	description	(Figure 5; Table I) Material examined Modena: Rocca Santa Maria: one specimen in sediments of the Torrente Fossa (holotype, slide N. 4927); Modena: Levizzano: three specimens in sediments of the Guerro stream; Trieste: Aurisina: seven specimens in sediments of the cave Grotta del Pettirosso. Description of the holotype Body length 307 M m, colourless, eyes absent, cuticle smooth without pearls. Buccopharyngeal apparatus is shown in Figure 5 A. The bucco-pharyngeal tube is 49.4 M m long; the rigid buccal tube 23.3 M m long (pbf 547.2) and 2.2 M m wide (ptd 59.4). The stylet supports are inserted on the bucal tube at 63.1 % of its length (ptd 563.1). The pharyngeal bulb (32.7 M m × 24 M m) has small apophyses, three rod-shaped macroplacoids and microplacoid, the septulum is absent. The first macroplacoid is 4.9 M m long (ptd 521.0), the second 4.6 M m (ptd 519.7), the third 5.8 M m (ptd 524.9), microplacoid 1.7 M m (ptd 57.3); the entire placoid row 18.1 M m long (ptd 577.7) including the microplacoid, 15.8 M m (ptd 567.8) excluding it. The claws (Figure 5 B – E) with accessory points on the main branches; the external claws are long and slender. The claws of the hind legs (Figure 5 E) have the basal portion enlarged with the basal margin indented and prolonged in one medial and one lateral thickening. The external claws on the first three pairs of legs (Figure 5 C, D) have an indented basal margin. They are 16.1 M m in length (ptd 569.1) on the second and third pair of legs; the internal claws are not measurable due their unfavourable orientation; we measured them in a specimen having the buccal tube 24.5 M m long where they are 9 M m long (ptd 536.7); on the hind legs the anterior claws are 10.4 M m in length (ptd 544.6) and the posterior claws 15.8 M m (ptd 567.8). A cuticular bar is present near the internal claws on the first three pairs of legs. Eggs not found. The paratypes are similar to the holotype. In Table I the dimensions of some structures of the smallest and of the largest measured specimens are indicated. Etymology The name hydrophilum refers to the fact that the species was found in water. Remarks Diphascon hydrophilum sp. n. differs from D. nobilei in the following features: stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a more caudal position (Table I); slightly higher value of the pbf index relative to the buccal tube length (Table I); lower value of the ptd index relative to the placoid row length as a consequence of the shortness of the third macroplacoid (Table I); longer and slender claws (Figures 1, 5; Table I); the internal claws on the first three pairs of legs without basal spines. The new species differs from D. serratum in having a slightly higher value of the pbf index relative to the buccal tube length (Table I); stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a more cephalic position (Table I), shorter third macroplacoid, lower value of the ptd index relative to the placoid row length (Table I), longer and more slender claws with longer secondary branches (Figures 2, 5). The new species differs from D. nelsonae in having a slightly higher value of the pbf index relative to the buccal tube length (Table I), lower value of the ptd index relative to the placoid row length as a consequence of the shortness of the third macroplacoid (Table I), longer and more slender claws (Figures 3, 5; Table I). The new species differs from D. platyungue in having a slightly shorter bucco-pharyngeal tube (both the buccal tube and the pharyngeal tube are shorter in relation to the body length) (Table I), shorter third macroplacoid, claws very different in size and shape (the claws of D. hydrophilum are longer and more slender, and those of the fourth pair of legs have the basal portion less enlarged) (Table I; Figures 4, 5).	en	Pilato, Giovanni, Binda, Maria Grazia, Bertolani, Roberto, Lisi, Oscar (2005): Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae). Journal of Natural History 39 (14): 1029-1041, DOI: 10.1080/00222930400001590, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222930400001590
