Velvet Worm Chat

[Cresto]

This is the place to talk everything onychophora. There's a lot of interesting, and truthfully pretty weird, things about this amazing species.

 

[Arthroverts]

Awesome! @Cresto, @schmiggle and I have created the Velvet Worm Club of the USA, so anybody interested in joining us let us know!
I'd like to know everyone's dream onychophora. Mine is Eperipatus barbadensis.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[MoranDisciple]

Awesome! @Cresto, @schmiggle and I have created the Velvet Worm Club of the USA, so anybody interested in joining us let us know!
I'd like to know everyone's dream onychophora. Mine is Eperipatus barbadensis.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

How does one join? Do I need a secret password? I don't own any "onies" but I'm all for establishing these unique beasts in the hobby.

 

[Arthroverts]

@MoranDisciple, we can chat on here for general velvet worm discussion, and if you want to give us your email we can talk about importing into the US in more detail. No secret password required !

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[BepopCola]

I really want to get into velvet worms.
I hope they become more established in the hobby.
@Arthroverts are there special steps in order to import them?

 

[Arthroverts]

@BepopCola, awesome! As far as I know, a USFWS Import/Export license is a requirement, as APHIS doesn't regulate them, and you have to get your shipment inspected, unless you go through a specialized carrier, like Reptile Express.
I am looking into importing some velvet worms; PM me your email and I can add you into a conversation with some other enthusiasts and we can go into a little bit more depth on this if you like.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[schmiggle]

@BepopCola, awesome! As far as I know, a USFWS Import/Export license is a requirement, as APHIS doesn't regulate them, and you have to get your shipment inspected, unless you go through a specialized carrier, like Reptile Express.

I'll check again, but since USFWS treats these as a domestic animal I don't think you necessarily need a permit. I'll have to go back to the email they sent me. Not sure about the inspection.

 

[velvetundergrowth]

Can I join? I'm not American but my parents are

My dream Velvet is Peripatus solorzanoi. This is the largest extant Onchophoran and can reach up to 8.7 inches in length.

I'm currently only keeping E. barbadensis but I'm awaiting some P. novaezealandiae (too hot right now to ship those)

 

[Arthroverts]

Let me consult the other founders; @Cresto, @schmiggle, what do you guys think about @velvetundergrowth's request?

Whoa, solorzano, that is a thick velvet worm! Adding to wish list, downloading, downloading, downloa...
Update us with some pictures of your novaezealandiae when you get them please! Their colors are out of this world.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Arthroverts]

@velvetundergrowth, after consulting with the two other founding members, yes, you can join! PM me your email and I will add you to the group email chain. Just note that information about pricing/importing won't really apply to you since you're on the other side of the world, ha ha.
Just know we may have a lot of questions for you, since you actually have velvet worms and can get species we can't .

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Arthroverts]

Does anybody have some tips for how to keep an enclosure at a stable temperature? The area I hope to keep some tropical velvet worms in can fluctuate temp-wise from the low 60s to the high 70s depending on the season. That's fine for tarantulas, not so great for tropical velvet worms.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[AbraxasComplex]

Can I join? Haha

The Epiperipatus barbadensis @velvetundergrowth has he grabbed from me. I hope they are doing well!

 

[Arthroverts]

@AbraxasComplex, of course! Just a warning though: you have a lot more experience to speak of then all the rest of us combined likely with velvet worms, so I can't guarantee you won't be inundated with questions...

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[velvetundergrowth]

Can I join? Haha

The Epiperipatus barbadensis @velvetundergrowth has he grabbed from me. I hope they are doing well!

All seems well I'm just a few plants away from completing their fully planted terrarium.

 

[Gnarled Gnome]

Does anybody have some tips for how to keep an enclosure at a stable temperature? The area I hope to keep some tropical velvet worms in can fluctuate temp-wise from the low 60s to the high 70s depending on the season. That's fine for tarantulas, not so great for tropical velvet worms.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

A terrarium thermostat controller can help regulate the temp. I use the Zilla controller for my Damon medius. Zoo Med Hygrotherm does temperature and humidity control, which would be useful for velvets.
Also, your club piques my interest. I've always loved velvet worms and wanted to try keeping them. They're amazing critters! I'd like to help however I can.

 

[Arthroverts]

@Gnarled Gnome, thanks! I'll look into that for the terrarium I'm planning.

If you end up buying velvet worms sometime in the future, it would be a huge help if you would document your experience to share with us (and any offspring you'd be willing to let go of ), so that more information and care tips can be made public.
Does that mean your interested in joining?

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Gnarled Gnome]

@Gnarled Gnome, thanks! I'll look into that for the terrarium I'm planning.

If you end up buying velvet worms sometime in the future, it would be a huge help if you would document your experience to share with us (and any offspring you'd be willing to let go of ), so that more information and care tips can be made public.
Does that mean your interested in joining?

Thanks,

Arthroverts

Yeah I'd be interested in joining! I have so many ideas for a secret handshake!
I'll message you.

 

[Arthroverts]

Hmm, a virtual handshake. I haven't seen one of those before...

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[schmiggle]

Does anybody have some tips for how to keep an enclosure at a stable temperature?

I like arduino, I've been using it for highland plants. However, if I remember right @wizentrop has said Eperipatus can handle temps down to 12C no problem.

 

[BepopCola]

Does anybody have some tips for how to keep an enclosure at a stable temperature? The area I hope to keep some tropical velvet worms in can fluctuate temp-wise from the low 60s to the high 70s depending on the season. That's fine for tarantulas, not so great for tropical velvet worms.

Would you know what the highest temps are that the tropical variety can tolerate?