Velvet worms (Peripatus sp)

Overview

The Velvet Worm, one of the most bizarre and interesting of all insect species, and fairly new to keep as pets in captivity. They have the ability to catch their prey by firing a gluey type substance out of their antennae, tacking their food item to the ground. They will then suck the insides out of their prey, usually when it is still alive! Awesome stuff.

Care

Velvet worms have to be kept slightly differently to most exotic invertebrates. Most require heated conditions, but these guys require cool, damp conditions, as would be found in their natural habitat. They like to hide in rotting logs, and with a rotting log damp moss and other pieces
of foliage can be provided. A good temperature to keep them at is about 20c, give or take a few degrees. The enclosure mus tbe kept damp at all time. A substrate of soil or peat can be used, just to maintain moisture, and also give another medium for the worms to rummage in. The velvet worms will require live food, so small crickets or hoppers can be given, or any kind of small insect you are able to find. If you closely monitor the worms eating, you will soon be able to decide what sized prey they wil be capable of eating.

Other information

The Velvet Worms (Preipatus species) does not grow very long, on average a maximum of about 2 inches. However, some specimens may be longer. When stretched out, they can at least double in length, and will appear a lot thinner. The name “velvet worm” comes from the rather velvety look and texture of their skin. The worms (called worms, but not actually in the worm family) use their antennae to fire a gluey type substance over the prey. This will pin them to the floor so they are able to slowly eat it…usually alive! They cannot move very fast, as they only bear 14 or so small stubby legs, each with a tiny claw.

These are live bearing insects, so will not lay eggs. Gravid females will reduce noticably in size after giving birth, which can be an indication of new young. So, if you have some large looking specimens, don’t be suprised if you find lots of live young crawling the enclosure!

Categorised in: Mantis

11 years ago