Velvet Worm Facts

Belonging to the phylum Onychophora, meaning 'claw-bearers', velvet worms are small, land-dwelling worms that range from about 2-10 cm in length. Velvet worm scientific name will vary depending on the species. There are over 70 species of velvet worms that have been identified as of today. At first glance these worms look really attractive and docile, however, these worms are voracious feeders and relish on tiny spiders, crickets, termites and woodlice. In terms of color, these worms vary from black, dark brown, red, white, blue, pink, orange, etc. The two antennae protruding from their head give them a snail like appearance, while the 14 or more tiny, stumpy legs give the worm a caterpillar like look. These were some velvet worm facts.

Velvet worms are not worms
What are velvet worms if they are not worms? They are, as the name suggests, have a velvet texture, these creatures are not actually worms, instead appear more like caterpillars, with their antennae and clawed appendages adorning the whole length of their bodies. Moreover, their bodies are not actually made of velvet.

Velvet worm habitat
These worms are quite reclusive in nature and are often found dwelling in moist places like rotting tree barks, leaf litter, etc. Found mostly in the southern hemisphere, these worms are highly sensitive to light and exhibit photo negative behavior. Since these worms cannot put a tab on the amount of water lost, they need moist habitats to dwell in. These worms have permanently open, tiny holes called trachea distributed all across the body. Since these trachea cannot be closed, water content is oft lost without any control. This is why these worms can easily dry out and need moist and humid areas to survive. Dry habitats are a total no!

Source of oxygen
In velvet worms, the tubular heart does not play any role in pumping or supplying oxygen. This worm receives oxygen via the pores of the skin.

Hunting
Velvet worms use the sticky method to get hold of their prey. They squirt a sticky slime like substance from slime glands situated at the base of the two antennae onto the prey's face. The slime temporarily blinds the prey, thereby enabling them to overcome the opponent. The captured insect gets entangled in the sticky goo of the slime and gets softened. The velvet worm bites out a hole in the insect captured and then sucks out all the internal juices, etc. Moreover, the tiny 6 finger like protrusions lining the mouth helps them devour their prey.

Self defense moves
The same 'firing slime method', is used for self-defense as well. The slime squirted out falls on the predators face and eyes, temporarily blinding it. This gives the worm the opportunity to scurry away from the danger zone as soon as possible.

Reproduction
In velvet worms, reproduction takes place when the male worm releases packets of sperms on the back or sides of the female worm's body. However, some even release the sperm packs on the genital opening of the female. The skin of the female on which the sperm pack is laid dissolves, thereby enabling the sperm to wiggle its way into the ovaries of the female and fertilize the ovum. While some species lay large yolk-filled eggs, others lay small eggs devoid of yolky food source.

Although most species of velvet worms appear quite attractive and lure us towards them, one needs to be careful. The jet of slime released by these worms can hinder us from getting hold of these worms with forceps. However, their popularity as pets is increasing at a rapid rate.