A microscopic creature that can live in suspended animation beginning with 't'

[Fizzgig]

This is really bugging me. I've seen in one of my books somewhere, (but can't find it now), a creature beginning with 'T' I'm sure, that close up sort of looks like a mole, not sure what 'genus' it belongs to, possible parasite! as it is quite tiny, and can last for years held in suspended animation, possibly in ice I think. Quite cute looking close up (probably magnified several thousand times!). If anyone out there has an idea, can they put me out of my misery? Fascinating creature!

[shaneystar2]

Could it be a Tardigrade?
When it's too dry to survive, the tiny animals curl up and dry out too. But instead of perishing under the stressful conditions, tardigrades fall into cryptobiosis, a state of suspended animation, ready to emerge as soon as water returns.

[shaneystar2]

Here is a piccie.
http://tardigrade.acnatsci.org/tardigrades/pic311.png

[gen2]

A whole range of organisms can survive in this way. See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptobiosis

[Fizzgig]

Hi Shaneystar2. I really did mean to say thank you so much as it was bugging me for a bit! I kept thinking Tampinade, Terrigrade, it was on the tip of my tongue. They are amazing creatures. Thanks again!