Genome of Epiperipatus broadwayi (Onychophora: Peripatidae)

Onychophora (velvet worms, peripatus) is the only exclusively terrestrial phylum of animals. They are well known for their unique mode of prey capture involving secreting a slime-like glue to ensnare their prey. Additionally, they are noted for their biogeographic affinities and diversity of reproductive strategies ranging from oviparity to placental viviparity. In a broader context, they hold a key phylogenetic position as the sister group to Arthropoda, the most diverse lineage of animals. Genomic resources for the phylum are almost non-existent and the sequencing of more genomes across the diversity in this phylum is key to understanding their diversity and the evolution of Arthropoda.