Observations on Peripatopsis clavigera (Onychophora, Peripatopsidae)

Abstract

The colouring of live specimens and female reproductive system with associated developmental stages of Peripatopsis clavigera are described. An unusually dense population of this rare species was found in Harkerville State Forest, southern Cape region. Colouration of these specimens differs distinctly from that of the four syntypes described by Purcell (1897). Early developmental stages show a trophic vesicle as described for some other Peripatopsis species (Manton 1949). Endoparastic worms (Acanthocephala) were fouhd in the haemocoel of one female specimen.