Peripatopsis leonina explained

Peripatopsis leonina, the Lion's Hill velvet worm,^[1] is a species of velvet worm in the Peripatopsidae family.^[2] This species has 20 to 24 pairs of legs, usually 21 or 22 leg pairs, with the last pair of legs reduced.^{[3] [4]} Females of this species range from 7 mm to 41 mm in length, whereas males range from 7 mm to 34 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The Lion's Hill velvet worm has only been recorded from the type locality; Signal Hill (also known as Lion's Hill), South Africa, where it was found under stones in small ravines. Signal Hill is situated amongst Fynbos habitat.

Conservation

Peripatopsis leonina was previously considered extinct but is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, on conservative grounds that some undiscovered individuals may still persist. Habitat loss and degradation are thought to be the reasons for the species' decline.^{[5] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Lion's Hill Velvet Worm (Peripatopsis leonina) . 2023-03-07 . iNaturalist . en.
2. Web site: Oliveira, I.. Hering, L.. Mayer, G.. amp. Updated Onychophora checklist. Onychophora Website. 24 November 2016.
3. Monge-Nájera. Julián. 1994. Reproductive trends, habitat type and body characteristcs in velvet worms (Onychophora). Revista de Biología Tropical. 42 . 3 . en. 611–622. 2215-2075.
4. Hamer . M.L. . Samways . M.J. . Ruhberg . H. . 1997 . A review of the Onychophora of South Africa, with discussion of their conservation . Annals of the Natal Museum . 38 . 1 . 283–312.
5. Hamer, M. 2003. Peripatopsis leonina. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 5 August 2007.
6. Oliveira. I. S.. Read. V. M. S. J.. Mayer. G.. A world checklist of Onychophora (velvet worms), with notes on nomenclature and status of names. ZooKeys. 2012. 211. 1–70. 10.3897/zookeys.211.3463. 22930648. 3426840. free. 2012ZooK..211....1O .