Peripatus

The genus Peripatus belongs to the phylum Onychophora, commonly known as velvet worms. These are ancient, terrestrial invertebrates with a wormlike appearance, short, thick legs, and a distinctive velvety body.1

Velvet worms are predatory, using a unique method to capture prey. They spit a quick-hardening slime from oral papillae near their mouths to immobilize invertebrates like crickets and spiders. After subduing their prey, they inject digestive saliva and consume the liquefied insides. This slime is protein-based and is also used for self-defense.1

Peripatus species are found in the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America. They have elongated bodies with numerous trunk segments, each bearing a pair of short legs. Their coloration varies to match their surroundings, typically ranging from dark slate to reddish brown. These creatures are considered evolutionarily significant, appearing to bridge the gap between annelid worms and arthropods.12