Velvet Worms of the Ariducene

East Asia has dried out quite a bit. Many animals that rely on humidity to keep themselves from drying out have to find new ways to acquire their water. One such group are the Speworms, who have seperated into two varieties.

Deathworms

Deathworms (Letoidae) can be found the cold deserts of Central Asia. They measure in at 7 inches in length and have a tan coloration. To shield themselves from the bitter cold and blazing sun, they spend most of their time underground. They also have way thicker skin to prevent water loss and insulate heat. 

Their large legs and arrow-shaped head help to push them through the fluidized sand. Most of their time is spent hibernating near areas with the tiniest bit of humidity, which gathers on their skin to be absorbed. When they find nice spot, they will position themselves so that only their eyes and slime gland is above the surface. The sand around them collapses in and forms a pit. Any insect that walks in the pit will get hit by the slime and be bound completely. Only then will the worm emerge to grab its prey and drag it into the sand to be digested. 

Glowies

Glowies (Fervidolumbricus) are a genus of velvet worm that can be found in the Siberian glowcaves. They come in at 3 inches in length and are all white due to them living in darkness. 

Due to their diet of glowing insects, they are able to synthesize luciferase and glow. The compound is held within their slime glands. When the gland is opened, it will react to the oxygen and make the worm glow green. The slime, when shot, distracts and scares predators rather than solely being used on prey. Males will also open their slime glands and dance, whoever glows the brightest will be chosen by the females.