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Beneath the head, velvet worms have oral papillae housing slime glands and an oral lobe surrounding the mouth, which is armed with claw-like mandibles used in feeding and defense. Their limbs are short, stubby, and clawed, with the number of leg pairs varying from 14 to 43 depending on the species, and sometimes even between sexes within the same species.
Internal Anatomy and Systems
Inside, velvet worms possess complex organ systems, including respiratory, digestive, circulatory, muscular, nervous, reproductive, and excretory systems, all supported by a hydrostatic skeleton.