Peripatopsis alba is a species of small, worm-like arthropod that belongs to the family Peripatopsidae. It is commonly known as the white velvet worm due to its white or cream-colored velvety appearance.
These fascinating creatures are often found in damp forest areas of South Africa and have been observed in other parts of southeastern Africa as well. Peripatopsis alba has a slender body with numerous pairs of short, stubby legs on its ventral side. Its body is covered in fine bristles, which give it the velvety texture that contributes to its common name. It typically grows to about 3-4 centimeters in length.
One of the characteristic features of Peripatopsis alba is its ability to spray a sticky secretion from small glands on its head, which is used for capturing prey. This adhesive substance immobilizes small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, or other small arthropods, enabling the velvet worm to feed on them at its leisure.
In addition to their feeding behavior, these velvet worms are also known for their unique reproductive strategy. They lay eggs, but instead of hatching as fully formed juveniles, the eggs develop into lobopodians, a distinct larval stage. The lobopodians resemble miniature versions of their parents and undergo further development before eventually reaching adulthood.
Despite their small size, Peripatopsis alba plays an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are a part of the detritivore community, helping to break down decomposing plant material and recycle nutrients. Additionally, their presence serves as a food source for other larger predators in the forest ecosystem.
