THE VELVET TOUCH

Velvet worms, Phylum Onychophora are a curious bunch of tropical invertebrates.  They have characteristics like worms (ringed segments around the body) and arthropods (chitinous skin and air tubes for breathing).  They look like a cartoon character for kiddie show.  Velvet worms get their name from the velvet-looking skin.  Reproductively speaking, males have the velvet touch.  While vaginal copulation is possible, some taxa deposit spermatophores (sperm packets) all over the female’s body.  Then, how do these sperm make it to the uterus to fertilize the eggs?  That is a bit gruesome.  The female dissolves her skin at the “sticking point” of the spermatophore.  The sperm enters her body and swim through her.  Sometimes they will even move through her organs.  Those sperm are determined!