The waterbear, or Tardigrade; tiny, moss-loving micro-animals that have a remarkable affinity for survival

This interesting little animal is known as the Tardigrade, or waterbear. Isn’t he just adorable? While these creatures may not closely resemble the ‘bear’ in their namesake – one can’t help but admit they have a certain charm for something only half a millimetre in length. They look like eight-legged jelly babies for crying out loud!  These animals are found almost without fail wherever moss and lichens are present. They waddle around on their eight plump legs, feeding on algae, plant cells and other tiny invertebrates. Of all the weird and wacky things in the microscopic world, this has got to be one of the cutest there is.

My own odd opinion on ‘cute’ aside, waterbears are actually incredible creatures and they have some remarkably unique characteristics making them such an interesting animal.

Now waterbears…