Phylum Onychophora
Defining characteristics
- 1) Second pair of appendages highly modified to form jaws surrounding the mouth.
- 2) Third pair of appendages form stubby projections (oral papillae)
- 3) Specialized glands (slime glands) discharge adhesive material through openings on the oral papillae
- 4) Subcutaneous hemal channels beneath the cuticle, forming part of the animal’s hydrostatic skeleton.