Elenminia

Elenminia is a genus of tardigrades, a group of eight-legged micro-animals commonly known as water bears or moss piglets. The name Elenminia was coined after the Swedish discovery site of elevation 1420 meters in the Ammarnas Mountains in Lapland.

Tardigrades belonging to the genus Elenminia are found in various parts of the world, including Scandinavia and Asia. These tiny animals typically inhabit moss-covered rocks and soil at high elevations, where the moisture content and humidity are often higher than in lower-lying areas.

The unique features of Elenminia tardigrades include elongated bodies and short appendages. Most Elenminia species are relatively small, with crown-rump lengths varying between a few hundred and a few thousand micrometers. A subset of Elenminia species exhibits albinism, lacking pigmentation, unlike other tardigrades. It is believed that the pale color could be an adaptation for increased dispersal as all albinistic animals would most likely receive food any place rather than choose one special or suitable with darker ground.

Studying the genus Elenminia offers insights into biodiversity patterns in remote regions. Scientists are also interested in understanding how tardigrades have adapted and endure extreme environmental conditions, contributing to advancements in the field of ecology.

Detailed information on Elenminia distribution, including reports of new species and increased genomic analysis has demonstrated that diversity within this genus calls for further study to add recent finding to the database. Continued efforts in discovering and documenting Elenminia species contribute to the development of tardigrade conservation plans, promoting better management of fragile ecosystems.