Velvet worm (Onychophora sp.) is a minor ecdysozoan phylum with ~180 species Lamington , Queensland, Australia

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Velvet worm belong to a phylum of their own the Onychophora meaning claw bearers. This skin is usually blue, orange, green, black, or white in colour, and is covered with scaly tubercles and sensory hairs. These sensory hairs give the velvety appearance and hence the name. They are small terrestrial land dwelling invertebrates with antennae and clawed hollow lobopods down the whole length of their bodies. They live in moist places such as rotting logs and leaf litter. They are secretive, nocturnal and display photonegative behaviour. Velvet worms are ancient creatures that are a missing link between worms and jointed animals. Distribution: South America, Africa, and Australia.

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Size: 3401px × 5120px
Location: Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Photo credit: © Krystyna Szulecka / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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