Thulinius, new generic name substituting for Thulinia Bertolani, 1981 (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada)

Abstract

Due to a homonymy with a genus of Trematoda described two years before, the name Thulinia Bertolani, 1981 cannot be used for a genus of tardigrades. Therefore, Thulinius nomen novum is proposed for a genus of tardigrades (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae), in substitution of Thulinia, junior homonym. The complicated taxonomic history of the genus Thulinius and especially of one of its species is discussed. The characteristics of the genus and the main distinctive characters of the species are also reported.