FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Velvet worms (Onychophora) belong to the family Peripatidae and Peripatopsidae and phylum Onychophora. These onychophorans are also known as claw bearers. The Onychophora species is 500 million years old. Euperipatoides rowelli and Peripatoides novaezealandiae are the species of velvet worms. This species is very commonly confused with the centipedes. They are naturally modified arthropods that prey on smaller insects. These worms have a body cavity that is filled with fluids, which is a trait that helps them keep more hydrated. The females of this species have variable breeding habits. Some deliver eggs, some half incubated eggs whereas some deliver young ones.
Velvet worms' mouth cleaning after feeding and before rejoining the remainder of the group is a unique trait. Here are some more fascinating facts about the velvet worm (Onychophora). Afterward, do have a look at our other articles on flatworm facts and giant African millipede facts as well.
A velvet worm, euperipatoides rowelli, is a worm species known to prey on smaller insects. This particular species has been on Earth for more than 500 million years.
A velvet worm, peripatoides novaezealandiae, belongs to the Arthropods class of animals.
The exact population of velvet worms, in the world, has not yet been determined. But there are over 200 species of velvet worms onychophorans found all over the world. There are more and more varieties existing nowadays, like red velvet worms and blue velvet worms.
A velvet worm (Onychophora) lives in the woods. But the reason behind the velvet worm's rare status is that they are extremely difficult to locate even in their natural habitat.
A velvet worm’s habitat consists of tropical forests, woodlands, temperate forests, coastal regions, etc. This species of animals live in wooden logs, leaf litter, rotting things, etc. They live in damp places.
Velvet worms (Onychophora) live with onychophorans of their own family in onychophoran species based on their navigation.
Velvet worms (phylum Onychophora) have a long lifespan. These 500 million years old onychophorans can live up to six years.
Velvet worms have very diverse reproductive habits. Males of some species leave their sperms on the females’ bodies while some directly insert in their vagina. The females of some onychophorans are viviparous, some are oviparous and some are ovoviviparous. The breeding season and incubation periods are different for different species. The female onychophoran is the least dominant species.
The conservation status of velvet worms (phylum Onychophora) is that of Least Concern at present for their population faces no threat.
Velvet worms are of two colors, these are blue velvet worms and red velvet worms. They look like regular worms but have a velvety appearance. This species has a range of overlapping scales which limits their water intake. They have stub feet. The velvet worms' eyes are very tiny. The velvet worm mouths are circular in shape and are surrounded by lips.
Velvet worms have a cute appearance due to their velvety hairs. But after all, they are worms and they can be ugly to some.
Velvet worms communicate with the help of chemical signals called pheromones. These chemical signals are secreted from their body. The signals are transmitted through soil, air, and water. These signals can give information about food, prey, and predators.
A velvet worm is a very small species. It can grow in the range of 0.3-7.8 in (0.7-19.8 cm) in length. A medium-sized velvet worm is 20 times bigger than an ant.
A velvet worm can move at the same speed as most worms. The exact speeds at which they move have not been calculated.
A velvet worm is a very lightweight species. Their weight ranges up to 0.03 oz (0.85 g).
No specific names are assigned to the males and females of the velvet worm species. They are known as male velvet worms and female velvet worms.
A baby velvet worm is known as a larva.
Velvet worms are carnivorous worms. They prey on small invertebrates. Their prey includes insects such as termites, spiders, and woodlice.
Velvet worms secret saliva that has the ability to immobilize their prey. The saliva is very effective against insects but does not have any effect on humans. Their bites can cause pain but are not poisonous.
Velvet worms are known to be exotic pets. They are not easily available. With proper maintenance of suitable habitat conditions, velvet worms would make excellent pets. Their food requirements are easily attainable which makes velvet worm care easy.
Velvet worms have between 14 and 16 pairs of stumpy legs.
The structure of arthropods can be recreated from velvet worms.
The Australian Museum has a beautiful collection of velvet worms.
No, velvet worms are not rare. Their population is abundant in the world but they are difficult to locate in their habitat.
The velvet worm belongs to the Ecdysozoa superphylum. This is further classified as Panarthropoda. They belong to the phylum Onychophora.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other animals from our worm snake facts and house centipede facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable velvet worm coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.