Tardigrade. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Macrobiotus richtersii, a tardigrade or water bear. This tiny animal has four pairs of stumpy legs, each one ending in a claw (such as at lower right) which aids movement. Tardigrades live in coastal waters, ditches, lakes and clumps of moss. They generally feed on vegetation. In a drought they can enter a state of suspended animation. They can survive for years in this form, swelling up and returning to life when the drought ends. Magnification: x280 at 6x7cm size.