Habitats

.

“Tardigrades tend to be found living in mosses as their fine leaves and stems form cavities which water accumulates. Their structure act like sponge retaining water, thus slow to dry and this is a ideal environment for tardigrades to survive in. Mosses are mostly found in high cold mountains to dense tropical rainforests, growing on rocks along streams, moist soil and trees.

     Lichen provides the ideal environment for tardigrades to flourish as well. This fungus, which grows in combination with algae, forms crusty or scaly growth. They are found on rocks, trees, soil and plants. Moisture retained in the crevices of the fungus after rainfall provide the necessary conditions for tardigrades to live in.”

Source:

(*1) http://tardigrade.acnatsci.org/Find_Tardigrades.html, William R. Miller, Date accessed: 12/1/13