Ooperipatellus nanus

Ooperipatellus nanus is a species of velvet worm in the family Peripatopsidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South Island.

Taxonomy
This species was first described by Hilke Ruhberg in 1985.

Description
Ooperipatellus nanus is a small species of velvet worm that grows to a length of approximately 10 mm. This species is tan or brown in color on its back but yellow on its underside. It is oviparous and has 13 pairs of legs, which is the minimum number found in the phylum Onychophora.

Distribution
Ooperipatellus nanus has only been found in Southland, in the Takitimu Mountains.

Life cycle
This species produce young by laying eggs from which the young subsequently hatch.

Host species
Ooperipatellus nanus are found mainly in rotting beech logs.

Conservation status
This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.