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
Velvet worms are classified under Onychophora.
I found a velvet worm in the tropical rainforest.
Katakana spelling is common for this organism name; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare and may be confused with 鉤虫 (こうちゅう, hookworm).
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.