
Looking at tardigrades (water bears) under the microscope
The humble tardigrade – tiny, strangely adorable and practically indestructible. Found almost everywhere on Earth, the microscopic tardigrade – also known as the ‘water bear’ or ‘moss piglet’ – is so unique that all 1300 tardigrade species belong to their own phylum, Tardigrada. With their widespread habitat and fascinating 8-legged appearance, they’re a great specimen for any microscope enthusiast.