Velvet Worm Death

[ShyTeddyBear98]

I was checking on all my inverts and giving them a feed when I noticed my velvet worm with what appears to be its stomach contents sticking out the side. I am both confused and upset that I've let this poor guy down... Any people with experience with these can explain the cause of death? I've had him/her for over a month and have misted daily with cold rain water. I have also kept conditions between 16-18 c in a bioactive setup with nothing but springtails and woodlice.

 

[WeightedAbyss75]

Are you sure it wasn't a parasite? That is my only guess, as that is really weird (and probably wild caught). Seriously stinks that you lost him, looks like a terrible way to go Hopefully you can figure it out.

 

[ShyTeddyBear98]

Yeah. I really feel for the little guy. At least if it was a parasite then I can take some solace in me not being responsible for the death. He/she was wild caught, the only wild caught invert I've had too. I just don't see how wrong conditioning could lead to such a terrible death. The only problem is because velvet worms are so rare, I will probably never have a definitive answer.

 

[Ratmosphere]

I'd venture to guess it was a parasite but I am no expert. Sorry for your loss man.

 

[Eva]

I found this thread where the possibility of this creature "exploding" is mentioned.
I have no idea how helpful it is, since I only skimmed over it, but perhaps it can steer you in the right direction.
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/velvet-worm.1196/
For the record: I know absolutely nothing about these creatures' care, so this may be a completely useless find.
Oh, and I'm sorry you lost the little guy - he looked really neat!

 

[ShyTeddyBear98]

I found this thread where the possibility of this creature "exploding" is mentioned.
I have no idea how helpful it is, since I only skimmed over it, but perhaps it can steer you in the right direction.
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/velvet-worm.1196/
For the record: I know absolutely nothing about these creatures' care, so this may be a completely useless find.
Oh, and I'm sorry you lost the little guy - he looked really neat!

Thanks. It does mention that over-spraying with distilled water can cause them to 'explode'. I did spray lightly everyday and used only rain water. He/she was a sweetheart, very discrete but fascinating. I'm afraid I'll never know the real answer...