Velvet worms, members of the phylum Onychophora, are among the most unusual animals alive today. Though they resemble soft caterpillars at first glance, they represent an ancient lineage of invertebrates with a long evolutionary history that stretches back hundreds of millions of years.
Onychophorans are often described as “living fossils” because they retain many characteristics that resemble early ancestors of modern arthropods. Their anatomy provides important clues about the evolutionary transition between worm-like animals and the joint-legged arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans.
Velvet worms are nocturnal predators. When hunting, they eject streams of sticky slime from specialised glands near the head. This adhesive quickly entangles small prey such as insects, allowing the velvet worm to immobilise and feed on it.
Size: 60 cm
⚠ Safety Notice: This item is not a toy and not suitable for children under 36 months.
