Macroperipatus torquatus, a peripatus or velvet worm which is an inhabitant of the Caribbean island of Trinidad. This specimen is undergoing ecdysis.

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Macroperipatus torquatus, a peripatus or velvet worm which is an inhabitant of the Caribbean island of Trinidad. This specimen is undergoing ecdysis. In spite of being soft bodied, peripatus has a cuticle which is shed regularly. It is comprised of chitin, the major component of the arthropod exoskeleton. The body undergoes hydrostatic contractions as it frees itself from its integument.

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Size: 5384px × 3581px
Photo credit: © DR MORLEY READ/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, ecdysis, invertebrate, invertebrates, macroperipatus, nature, onychophora, onychophoran, peripatus, torquatus, velvet, wildlife, worm, zoology