Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 9800250
Hypsibius exemplaris
Hypsibius exemplarisAlso known as Water Bear, Moss Piglet
Hypsibius exemplaris is a microscopic water bear renowned for its ability to survive extreme environmental stress by entering a dormant state known as cryptobiosis. These eight-legged invertebrates navigate film-thin layers of water in mosses and freshwater sediments, using piercing mouth stylets to feed on cellular fluid. Because they reproduce rapidly and thrive in lab cultures, they serve as essential model organisms for genetic, evolutionary, and space biology research.
MicroscopicExtremophileFreshwater
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Microalgae
- Bacteria
- Rotifers
Predators
- Nematodes
- Carnivorous tardigrades
- Aquatic mites
ThreatsHabitat destruction and severe environmental pollution
HabitatsFreshwater ponds, damp mosses, lichens, and leaf litter
Life span3 to 4 months active (decades dormant)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderParachela
- FamilyHypsibiidae
- GenusHypsibius
- SpeciesHypsibius exemplaris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless microscopic organism that poses no risk to humans or pets.
Responsible observation
- Sample Collection: Soak damp moss in spring water for a few hours to release individuals from the film.
- Microscopic Viewing: Observe under a compound light microscope at 100x to 400x magnification.
Predator (c) Schokraie E, Warnken U, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Grohme MA, Hengherr S, et al. (2012), some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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