The Fascinating Biology of Earth's Weirdest Creature

Ever heard of a velvet worm? These are among the strangest invertebrates on the planet, and one I've wanted to see for years. Due to their secretive nature, they're very rarely seen, but we finally got one on one of our nights in the coastal dry forest of Ecuador. Can't wait to share this amazing encounter with you!

Here at MyWildBackyard we investigate the secrets of the natural world- secrets that can be hidden in our very own backyards! I want to share the incredible world of insects, spiders and other wildlife with you and inspire you to explore your curiosity. Get out there, and find your adventure!

For those who read the description- we've updated the channel! I'm working on adding more features to videos to better expand our conversations about the secrets we find in the natural world! Introducing the Creature Tier System! There are four rankings:
1. Staple - These are the lowest tier creatures. They are the most common species in a given habitat, and while they're not boring, they're really only exciting when you're exploring a new habitat and you haven't seen them before. Not something to write home about.
2. Neat - These are a step up from Staple. They don't make your entire day, but they are worth taking a closer look at when found. Definitely can be exciting to have a productive day finding many Neat species.
3. Wild - These are exciting to find. Whether they have interesting defensive features that offer a nice challenge in the field, are particularly cool looking, or maybe a little bit rare, Wild species aren't necessarily the MOST memorable of encounters, but they definitely make your day when you see them. An adventure featuring many Wild species will truly be memorable.
4. Gem - These are special. Usually involving extremely interesting biology and significant rarity, Gem species are animals that you really do not see every day. These species can make your whole adventure, and will be very memorable.

Creative Commons Music Tracks:

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

#velvetworm

[arielperez]

Yesterday I learned that their soft skin is actually made of chitin. The same material that forms the exoskeleton of other insects! It is the same material but flexible. That is why the velvet worm has to live in moist environments. It needs to stay moist or it will dry up. It can't survive in low moisture.

[jonesphones]

Dude I used to be a coyote Peterson fan back in the day and I’m very glad I found your channel

[smetlogik]

"Centepede with its armor removed" <-- good description I wouldn't want to be the prey of this thing. Great presentation, Spencer.

[valiantwarrior]

These worms are so bizarre. Somehow they manage to seem cuddly and oogy at the same time.
Thanks for another cool adventure, Master Spencer! So close to 100K now!

[kellyharrison]

Velvet Worms are endlessly fascinating creatures. So glad you guys found one!

[OchoVerde]

Awesome... one of my favorite weirdos of the animal kingdom!

[thefeatheredfrontiersman]

Never ceases to amaze me every single time. Premium quality Spencer.

[amHlam]

The quality of your material is superb! The shots you manage to get, despite the tough conditions are second to none. Outstanding work, Spencer! 🐜👍

[danasisk]

Hi Spencer! I like the little velvet worm. I'm in suspense. I really want to see the purple bloom birdeater.✌

[peachstateexplorer]

Very cool amazing worm my friend!!!!👊👊👊 Thank you for sharing 🤩🤩

[adriannabcustomfurniture]

I think you need to upload everyday. I found your channel not long ago and I'm all caught up. Just have this one to finish...and now I don't know what I'm going to do 😂 love your content! One of the best learning channels for all invertebrates in general, insects, arachnids, snakes, anything and everything. I have a 10 year old and she's on the autism spectrum. I homeschool her and we watch your videos for science "class". I've learned so much and she's come to love a few insects because of your channel. Thank you for sharing your adventures and your knowledge with all of us!

[ThePollaton]

Never heard of, seen or even caught a sniff of these creatures. Bizarre!

[mistypuffs]

I’m from England, with very few of the animals you cover, but it’s still so cool to see them all ^^
Amazing videography and mini lesson about the worm

[jimmaddox]

Spencer your videos never disappoint, because I have never heard of a velvet worm and they are very cool, and as usual you are bringing the unknown world to the known world🙌

[kt]

So cool! I love your videos, I see and appreciate nature so much differently now!

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

You managed to get so much incredible footage of the velvet worms, you nailed this video man! I like how quickly you got into the main subject, as a field notes video this was super tight and well executed given the conditions of where we were working. Onychophorans are such fascinating animals and I'm so glad that you got the chance to highlight them, you did a great job of capturing what makes them so cool to see. Great work man!

[exode]

That is actually a really gorgeous creature

[mastergecko]

“I’m gonna free handle this Brazilian wandering spider cuz I wanna show how they aren’t out to get you.”

Same guy: “I’m not gonna handle this velvet worm cuz I might hurt it.”

[chrisleach]

I have come across a few over the years here in SW FL. They are so cool and feel like nothing else.

[Inkwell]

Everyday you upload, i learn more and more about how truly magnificent nature can be.
And I cant thank you enough for letting us see the tiniest corners of the wilderness.