Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Peripatus

Peripatoides indigo Ruhberg


Order: Onychophora
Family: Peripatopsidae

Size range

  • Up to 60 mm long

Distribution

  • New Zealand and other Southern Hemisphere countries. Many New Zealand species

Life History

  • Within and under logs, under stones, in leaf litter
  • Predatory. Emits sticky fluid to trap prey
  • Also called velvet worms
  • Part of an ancient group, so–called link between annelids and arthropods

Further information