The numbers
Enclosure
Small, ventilated, escape-proof tub with stable microclimate
Diet
Live soft-bodied prey — small crickets, termites, powder-blue isopods · Every 5–10 days (small prey)
Temperature
18–24°C (cool, stable)
Humidity
Very high, but NOT waterlogged (drowns easily)
Identity
Order / Family
Onychophora (phylum)
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; many undescribed; collection-sensitive
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Rare; specialist keepers only
Adult size
~4–8 cm
Lifespan
Several years (poorly documented)
Growth rate
Slow
Activity & niche
Nocturnal ambush predator of moist leaf litter/rotting wood
Temperament
Secretive, delicate
Venom / defense
Harmless to humans; shoots sticky slime to catch prey (not venomous)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
18–24°C (cool, stable)
Humidity
Very high, but NOT waterlogged (drowns easily)
Min. enclosure
Small, ventilated, escape-proof tub with stable microclimate
Substrate
Damp soil + deep moss + rotting wood/bark hides
Hides / decor / water
Rotting wood, bark, stones, thick moss; humid but airy
Diet
Staple food
Live soft-bodied prey — small crickets, termites, powder-blue isopods
Feeding frequency
Every 5–10 days (small prey)
Supplements
None (obligate live-prey predator)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Do NOT handle — highly sensitive to skin pathogens and drying
Communal
Semi — can be grouped but watch cannibalism/competition
Defense / stress signs
Shrivelling, inactivity, refusal to feed; death from mould/mites
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (Eoperipatus retains yolky eggs) — bears live young
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsHyper-sensitive to fungi, mites, bacteria; drowning/suffocation if too wet
Red flags / quarantine
SignsWild-caught, fragile; strict clean quarantine; avoid over-watering
Good to know
- A 'living fossil' — velvet worms hunt by firing twin jets of sticky glue at prey.
Others in this group
Caribbean / Purple Pincher Hermit CrabCoenobita clypeatusGiant African Land SnailLissachatina fulicaRed Apple CrabMetasesarma aubryiIndonesian / Purple Land Hermit CrabCoenobita brevimanusRuggie Land Hermit CrabCoenobita rugosusVampire Crab (assorted Geosesarma)Geosesarma sp. (e.g. dennerle, 'red devil')Giant Pink-foot / Immaculate Land SnailAchatina immaculataGiant West African / Banana Rasp SnailArchachatina marginata