1. Tardigrades are microscopic creatures with many nicknames.

The name Tardigrade means “slow moving” and refers to their bear-like crawling movement. Their movement and appearance has also given rise to the name “water bear”.

Tardigrades are not nicknamed "moss piglets" for nothing... They simply can't get enough of the stuff.

Another name for them is “moss piglet” as they often nestle in moss and their snouts resemble pig snouts.

2. Most are transparent so you can see their internal organs.

Tardigrades have “stylets” which they use to pierce plant cells or animal body walls. Many species feed on bacteria or plant cells (known as bacteriophagous and phytophagous respectively) but some species are predatory by nature and feed on other smaller animals.

3. They are not only cute, but ancient.

It is estimated that they have been around for around half a billion years. Dinosaurs first appeared 230 million years ago – so Tardigrades are well on their way to collecting their pensions.