Epiperipatus barbadensis (Barbados brown velvet worm)

This is a small peripatid onychophoran endemic to the Caribbean island of Barbados. Like other peripatids, they are a tropical, viviparous, predatory species that hunt with an adhesive slime ejected from their oral papillae. The slime traps their prey, which is consumed once the adhesive has immobilized it. They are highly photophobic, typically only active on the surface at night and hiding during daylight hours.

Due to their permeable skin, similar to amphibians, they are highly susceptible to contaminants and desiccate easily. They must be kept in moist, pristine environments, free from potentially harmful contaminates. This includes using distilled water and only distilled water for all aspects of their enclosure and regular husbandry. Due to this, they are also best left undisturbed and not touched directly. Before interacting with them or their enclosure during maintenance, you should also ensure your hands are washed with mild, unscented soaps and free from any lotions or other things that could contaminate their environment. 

We have been culturing this species successfully since 2021, making us one of the most successful with this species worldwide.