Onychophoras, commonly known as Velvet Worms, are the "missing link" between annelids and arthropods. Hitching a ride on it's mother's back I was able to snap a few shots before they escaped into the dense foliage of the Ecuadorian Amazon's terre firme rainforest. Not wanting to disturb them other than a few shots, I let them escape because they are known for squirting an adhesive slime.

AmazonEcuadorOnychophoraTBSYasuniYasuni National Parkjuvenilerainforestvelvet worm© Bejat McCrackenwww.bejat.com