Velvet Worms

invertebrates · slime hunters · mysterious creatures

Soft and squishy. Velvet worms have long, stretchy bodies covered in velvety skin, with stubby legs underneath. They look kind of like a caterpillar mixed with a worm, which is why some people call them worm-like.

Slime superstars. When a velvet worm spots its dinner, it shoots out sticky adhesive slime from its head to trap the prey. The slime sticks so well that the prey can't escape, making hunting super easy.

Invertebrate hunters. Velvet worms only eat other invertebrates like insects, spiders, and small crustaceans. They use their sticky slime like a net to catch their meals.

Ancient and mysterious. Scientists have found and described about 232 different species of velvet worms, but they think there are many more waiting to be discovered. These creatures have been around for a very long time.

Many stubby legs. Unlike worms, velvet worms have lots of short, thick legs running down their bodies that help them creep around slowly.