How to find tardigrades
In the world of microscopic organisms, few creatures captivate the imagination quite like tardigrades (also known as water bears, moss piglets, or - as I like to call them - water puppies). Their mysterious nature makes them incredibly fascinating to find and watch, so If you've ever wondered how to find tardigrades, here’s my method:
What is a tardigrade?
Before we dive into the search, let's gain a better understanding of what tardigrades are. Tardigrades are eight-legged, water-dwelling micro-animals, typically measuring around 0.5 millimetres in length. These tiny, resilient animals are often hailed as the superheroes of the microscopic world, capable of surviving extreme conditions that would be deadly for most other living organisms (scientists have even researched tardigrades in space to see how they survive). Due to their incredible adaptability, tardigrades inhabit various environments worldwide, including mosses, lichens, soil, and even the deep sea. To the naked eye, they might seem like a minuscule speck of dust, but under a microscope, their unique charm comes to life.
Gathering your equipment
To embark on your water bear expedition, you'll need a few essential tools:
A Microscope: You’ll need a good-quality microscope with at least 40x magnification to see tardigrades.
Sample Collection Tools: Water bears are often found in damp environments, like moss and puddles. I often use a small container and a pipette to collect samples.
Distilled Water: Make sure to have some distilled or rain water on hand to create a suitable environment for your water bears during observation.
Not sure where to get a microscope and collection tools? My Water Bear Starter Kit has everything you need, including an affordable, portable microscope, some collection tools, and a sample of pre-collected water bears to get you started!
Searching tardigrade habitats
There are twice as many water bears on the planet than people and are generally all over, but to find water bears effectively, I search areas with moisture. Moss-covered rocks, damp soil, ponds, and puddles are excellent starting points. Exploring these habitats increases your chances of encountering these microscopic marvels.
How to collect tardigrades
Using your sample collection materials, gently scrape some moss, lichen, or soil and place it into the container. Add a few drops of distilled water to create a moist environment, and remember to handle the samples carefully to avoid crushing or damaging any potential water bears.
Investigate with your microscope
Now comes the exciting part! Prepare a slide by placing a small drop of your sample collection onto a microscope slide (if you have a water sample, you can carefully cover this with a cover slip to keep your water in place). Place the slide under your microscope and start searching for the elusive water bears. Adjust the focus and lighting as needed to get a clear view. Sometimes, it can be a little tricky to find the tardigrades - I often feel like I’m playing a game of ‘Where’s Wally?’ while I’m searching. But, if you’re having trouble finding them and your sample has come from a common tardigrade habitat, continue with patience and perseverance - you’re sure to find some soon!
Identifying water bears
Waterbears are distinctive creatures with their barrel-shaped bodies, eight legs, and tiny claws. They often move slowly, exploring their microscopic world with grace. Occasionally, you might even be able to find water bear eggs; these are typically seen as small, brown circles encased inside the shed skin of the mother water bear.
Preserve and release
If you wish to preserve some water bears for future observations, consider creating a moss terrarium or using a technique called "cryptobiosis." This involves gradually dehydrating the sample, which places the water bears in a ‘tun’ or suspended state. However, it's essential to remember that these tiny creatures play crucial roles in their ecosystems, so always release them back into their natural habitat after your study.
Finding water bears is a rewarding experience that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of microorganisms. Armed with a microscope and a passion for exploration, you can uncover the hidden wonders of these tiny creatures. If you’d like a headstart in your search for water bears, my Water Bear Starter Kit comes with everything you need, including an easy-to-use microscope and a sample of pre-collected water bears!
Happy water bear hunting!