peripatidae

Peripatidae is a family of velvet worms (phylum Onychophora), one of the two living families that constitute the modern diversity of velvet worms, the other being Peripatopsidae. Members of Peripatidae are soft-bodied, elongated invertebrates with many short leg pairs (lobopods), antennae, and specialized slime glands that eject adhesive slime from oral papillae to immobilize prey. They may vary in size across species and are typically covered by a moist cuticle that helps prevent desiccation.

Distribution and habitat for Peripatidae are largely tropical and subtropical. Species occur in parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with most communities confined to humid leaf litter, rotting logs, and soil in tropical forests. The group relies on stable, moist microhabitats and is sensitive to drying conditions, making habitat preservation crucial for many species.

Ecology and behavior: Peripatidae are carnivorous, predating on small invertebrates. They capture prey by projecting a sticky slime that hardens to trap the prey, after which the animal uses its jaws to inject digestive enzymes and consume the prey. Movement is slow and deliberate, reflecting their reliance on moist environments and stealthy foraging.

Reproduction and taxonomy: Reproductive strategies in Peripatidae vary, but many species are viviparous, giving birth to live young, sometimes with specialized nourishment structures. The family encompasses several genera and a diversity of species, and it is distinguished from the related Peripatopsidae by aspects of distribution and reproductive biology.

Conservation: Many Peripatidae species have restricted ranges and face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and collecting pressure, highlighting the need for habitat protection and further taxonomic study.