How Velvet worms catch their prey?

Velvet worms are called Onychophora, meaning “claw-bearers”. They are caterpillar-like creatures and wear a coat of delicate scales which gives them their velvety appearance.

Velvet worms are found in forests around the southern hemisphere and the equator. They are closely related to arthropods (the phylum that includes spiders, crustaceans and insects).

Velvet worms trap their prey by squirting a sticky slime secretion from up to 30 cm away. The secretion is made in glands on either side of their gut. The worms then eat the immobilized prey, softening it with their digestive saliva.

 

Picture Credit : Google