Velvet Worms Rediscovered in India

Researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have recently rediscovered a velvet worm, a rare and ancient invertebrate belonging to the phylum Onychophora.

What Are Velvet Worms?

1. Velvet worms, also known as Onychophorans, are often called "walking worms" or "peripatus" due to their unique movement and caterpillar-like appearance.
2. Their skin is covered in tiny projections called papillae, giving it a soft, velvety texture.
3. These worms are relatively small, typically measuring between 0.5 cm and 15 cm in length.
4. They prefer moist habitats, such as forest floors, leaf litter, and areas under rocks, which help them retain body moisture.
5. Velvet worms come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, brown, green, blue, and even gold, offering some camouflage in their environment.

Unique Features and Behavior

1. Velvet worms are carnivorous predators.
2. They have a fascinating hunting method: they shoot a sticky, adhesive slime from specialized glands to trap their prey, often insects like beetles.
3. This slime can be projected up to 30 cm, making it an effective tool for immobilizing targets.

Global and Indian Distribution

1. There are around 183 known species of velvet worms worldwide.
2. In India, however, only one species has been documented, found in the state of Assam.
3. Their rediscovery is significant, as it provides fresh insights into their evolutionary history and conservation status, especially in India.

Velvet worms are not only rare but also play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of small insects. Their rediscovery highlights the need for continued research and conservation of lesser-known species in India's biodiversity hotspots.