Peripatus shoot a gluey substance accurately up to 7–8 centimetres from glands on their head. The glue is used for both attack and defence. Peripatus are opportunistic and scavenge if they can, as hunting takes up more energy. When hunting, they notice potential prey with their sensitive antennae, which are also chemically responsive. Once a victim is caught in the glue, it is punctured by the worm’s jaws, which then pump saliva into the body cavity. The worm then sucks out its victim’s liquidised innards.
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by Dianne Gleeson
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