Underrated animals: Velvet worm

They shoot glue, puree their enemies, and are about the size of a leaf.

With 140 species of southern velvet worms (Peripatopsidae), and most of those in Australia, these tiny creatures are our home-grown invertebrate.

They normally live in rainforests, under logs or leaf litter, and they like to keep it damp and dark.

Cast your vote for Australia's most underrated animal here:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2025-08-01/science-week-underrated-australian-animal-vote/105582104

Featuring:

• Associate Professor Tanya Latty, the University of Sydney

Production:

• Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer
• Jacinta Bowler, Producer
• Rebecca McLaren, Producer
• Hamish Camilleri, Sound Engineer
• Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.