In this article you will learn very interesting facts about the velvet worm. An animal with skills that will surprise you!
What an interesting animal!
1. Velvet Worm Characteristics
Velvet worms, also known as Onychophorans, have antennae on their head and legs throughout the length of their body.
Their color is usually between blue/grey or brown and they have beautiful patterns on their body.
Below you can see an example of those patterns on a Tasmanian velvet worm:
There are multiple species of velvet worms and their pair of legs can range from just over 10 to more than 40.
2. What Is the Scientific Name of the Velvet Worm?
The scientific name of velvet worms is phylum Onychophora.
3. Where Do Velvet Worms Live?
What is the habitat of the velvet worm?
Velvet worms live in moist places. For example, one place where you can find velvet worms is the Amazon rainforest.
You can find the greatest diversity of velvet worms in Australia. They also live in South Africa, New Zealand, New Guinea, and South America.
4. What Is the Lifespan of a Velvet Worm?
Velvet worms can live roughly up to six years.
5. How Does The Velvet Worm Catch Its Prey?
The velvet worm can detect air currents caused by the movements of its prey and it uses this skill when hunting.
Velvet worms are carnivores, they can eat termites, crickets, or even small spiders. They have glue guns and they use them to block their victims by shooting a sticky substance through them.
I have to admit I thought about Spiderman the first time I have seen a velvet worm in action!
After blocking its victims, the velvet worm injects them with digestive enzymes and bites off parts of their bodies.
The slime, velvet worms shoot through their glue guns, is also used in self-defense. That’s because it allows them to block their predators and gives the worms time to escape.
6. What Did Velvet Worms Evolve From?
What is the history of velvet worms?
This might sound impossible…
Velvet worms are some of the oldest animals on earth, they already existed around 500 million years ago. They even existed while dinosaurs were still alive.
7. Can Velvet Worms Harm Humans?
The velvet worm uses its slime to immobilize its victims (e.g. insects) but it doesn’t have any effect on humans.
Conclusion
We have covered 7 interesting facts about the velvet worm, I hope you have found them interesting.
Can you believe that this little animal has been living on the earth for hundreds of millions of years?
