Story: Evolution of plants and animals
Peripatus, or velvet worms, are ancient ‘living fossils’. Fossil remains of related creatures date from the early Cambrian period – around 520 million years ago. Related fossils are nearly all marine species and include Hallucigenia, a strange, worm-like sea creature with spines and tentacles. Peripatus are one of New Zealand’s primitive life forms, and have remained unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10055597
Photograph by Paul Schilov
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.