Phylum Onychophora - Velvet Worms.
Mainly found in tropical forests of southern hemisphere. Up to 15cm long. Has two antennae for sensing vibrations in the air. has eyes, but primarily uses antennae to find prey. 14-43 pairs of unjointed legs with claws at the tips. Circular & longitudinal muscles, earthworm like movement. Prey on small animals at night. lives under leaves, logs etc. requires a human environment. Tracheal system for respiration - pores called spiracles that open into airtubes where the diffusion happens. risk of dehydration through spiracles. Oral papillae have glue glands that eject sticky fluid to capture prey that dries & traps insects, worms, slugs etc, which they inject with saliva through a stylet in the mouth. Sucks out juices, yum. Does have a cuticle and does molt, but in patches rather than all at once. most species give birth to live offspring.
externally segmented and superficially resemble caterpillars.
Mainly found in tropical forests of southern hemisphere. Up to 15cm long. Has two antennae for sensing vibrations in the air. has eyes, but primarily uses antennae to find prey. 14-43 pairs of unjointed legs with claws at the tips. Circular & longitudinal muscles, earthworm like movement. Prey on small animals at night. lives under leaves, logs etc. requires a human environment. Tracheal system for respiration - pores called spiracles that open into airtubes where the diffusion happens. risk of dehydration through spiracles. Oral papillae have glue glands that eject sticky fluid to capture prey that dries & traps insects, worms, slugs etc, which they inject with saliva through a stylet in the mouth. Sucks out juices, yum. Does have a cuticle and does molt, but in patches rather than all at once. most species give birth to live offspring.
externally segmented and superficially resemble caterpillars.
. Mother nature is cruel!
