Although the extent of the relationship is still debated, evidence suggests that tardigrades and arthropods have a close evolutionary history.

[9] Recent research has shown a shortage in a particular subset of genes also found in nematodes, another member of the Ecdysozoa superphylum.

The full distribution of M. tardigradum is difficult to analyze due to the difficulty in taxonomy and the lack of sufficient data.

The mating behavior of tardigrades is difficult to reproduce under artificial conditions; hence the frequency and time of reproduction is not fully understood.

The time frame of these molting stages vary from each tardigrade as it is dependent on the nutrition of the specific individual.

[6] Once the molting stages are complete, the larva tardigrade attempts to find an ideal location to initiate ecdysis.