Speleoperipatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Speleoperipatus |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Speleoperipatus
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| Species: |
spelaeus
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Speleoperipatus is a special type of velvet worm. It is the only known species in its group, called a genus. Its full scientific name is Speleoperipatus spelaeus.
This velvet worm is a pale greenish-yellow color, almost white. It has 22 or 23 pairs of legs and does not have any eyes. These creatures are usually between 27 mm and 34 mm long. This velvet worm gives birth to live young. The mothers feed their babies inside them, much like mammals do.
Where Does This Velvet Worm Live?
Speleoperipatus spelaeus is a cave-dwelling animal. This means it lives only in caves. So far, it has only been found in two cave systems in northern St. Catherine, Jamaica. These caves are called Pedro Great Cave and Swansea Cave.
Another type of cave velvet worm is known. It is called Peripatopsis alba. This one lives in Wynberg Cave and Bats' Cave. Both of these caves are found on Table Mountain in South Africa.
Protecting This Rare Species
This velvet worm is very rare. As of 2021, only seven individuals have ever been seen. Dr. Stewart Peck found four of them in 1975. Members of the Jamaican Cave Organisation (JCO) found one in 2010. They also found two more in 2021.
Because it is so rare, Speleoperipatus spelaeus is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as Critically Endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
