Epiperipatus barbadensis

NOTE: This creature is captive-bred.

About this species

The Barbados velvet worm is the most established velvet worm species in captivity. It has a soft brown body covered in tiny papillae that give it a velvet like texture. Adults can stretch to around 7–9 cm when fully extended, with females generally growing larger than males.

This species lives in humid microhabitats beneath rotting wood and deep leaf litter. It often lives in groups and is mainly nocturnal. During the day, individuals rest together inside narrow hiding places before emerging at night to hunt insects and other small invertebrates.

All velvet worms are difficult to care for compared with most other pet invertebrates. This species requires stable warmth, very high humidity, plenty of hiding places, and bioactive substrate. However, springtails should not be used because they may attack weakened adults. Good enclosure hygiene is extremely important, as mold outbreaks and poor substrate conditions can quickly harm their delicate skin.