Peripatus on public display

[Pygathrix]

Peripatus is the common name for a weird and wonderful group of invertebrates which show features of both annelids and arthropods. More information here:

Onychophora

I have never seen any examples and wonder if anyone is aware of public display of them anywhere either now or in the past.

Thanks

 

[Maguari]

They are around in the pet trade - a New Zealand species usually identified as Peripatoides novaeseelandiae. I've kept them myself in the past but they're really not easy - this species needs to be kept very damp, very cool and fed on very small crickets and suchlike. They're good fun though - and hunt by 'spitting' a silk-like substance over the prey.

 

[Pygathrix]

Thanks I'd forgotten about the range of animals supplied by the pet trade. I'd imagined they would be difficult too display satisfactorily but thought there might be a museum or suchlike which has them.

 

[^Chris^]

I've always called these Velvet worms. Maybe a name that they're trying to doaway with since it's hardly very accurate.

I feel like I have seen one, I can't think where that'd be though?! Perhaps just my imagination.

 

[Maguari]

I've always called these Velvet worms.

That name is used in the pet trade - there are far more misleading invert names - sea lilies, indeed...


I'll try to upload a photo of one of mine later on.

 

[^Chris^]

That name is used in the pet trade - there are far more misleading invert names - sea lilies, indeed...


I'll try to upload a photo of one of mine later on.

Trends to change names often annoy me, I can see exactly why it is done, but for all the confusion it saves, it brings added confusion for those used to the old names. As you say, there are a lot of misnomers in the invert world, but what can you do?

 

[lintworm]

Leipzig plans them for Gondwanaland, but I don't remember having seen a peripatus.

 

[Maguari]

Better late than never... one of my onychophorans/velvet worms.

 

[Chlidonias]

took me a while to even find it in the photo!

Peripatus are common in NZ in the forests, they come in a range of colours (several species, most poorly-known and probably a number undescribed). Anyone visiting NZ just get out in the bush and turn over a few logs and rocks and you'll find them.

They're generally very secretive so would hardly make good zoo exhibits unless displayed in a bare tank so they can't hide (which wouldn't be very nice on them)