noun
velvet worm
A terrestrial invertebrate of the phylum Onychophora; not a true worm. Often written in katakana as カギムシ.
See also: 有爪動物
カギムシは有爪動物に分類される。
Velvet worms are classified under Onychophora.
熱帯雨林でカギムシを見つけた。
I found a velvet worm in the tropical rainforest.
有爪動物 is the formal taxonomic name for the phylum Onychophora, while カギムシ is the common name for velvet worms.
From 鉤 (かぎ, hook) + 虫 (むし, worm, insect), referring to the hook-like claws on their legs. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name is descriptive of their appearance.