Identifying s Afr Velvetworms

Old Key:

Generic:
Distal leg papillae arranged as follows: 1 anterior, 1 posterior and 1 median, 16–18 pairs of legs, the last pair well developed = Opisthopatus
Distal leg papillae arranged as follows: 2 anterior, 1 posterior. 16–25 pairs of legs, the last pair reduced - Peripatopsis

So basically count the legs, and photograph the last pair of legs closeup.

Opisthopatus

16 pairs of legs, colour variable . . . . . . . . . . cinctipes
18 pairs of legs, colour reddish pink . . . . . . . . . roseus

Peripatopsis

Last pair of legs rudimentary and unclawed . . . . . . . 2
1' Last pair of legs shortened, with claws . ........... 3

Blue/black in colour with 17–18 pairs of legs with claws, + 1 rudimentary, unclawed pair - capensis (= capensis, lawrencii, overbergensis)
2' 19–24 pairs of legs with claws, + 1 rudimentary unclawed pair - moseleyi
2" Brown/red, or dark grey in colour with 16–18 pairs of legs with claws, + 1 rudimentary, unclawed pair - stelliporata (male)

Eyes absent, body unpigmented (pale), troglobiont . - alba
3 Eyes present, body pigmented . . 4

17 (occasionally 18) pairs of legs with claws, dorsal papillae mostly club shaped ............. clavigera
4' 17 (occasionally 18) pairs of legs, dorsal papillae mostly conical, genital pore elliptical, and more pointed towards the posterior end, made up of large conical segments - . stelliporata (female)
4" 18–24 pairs of legs with claws, dorsal papillae conical . . 5

18 (occasionally 19) pairs of legs with claws. . . balfouri
5' 20–24 pairs of legs with claws . . . . . . . 6

20 pairs of legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sedgwicki
6' 21–24 pairs of legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leonina

Sherbon, B. J., & Walker, M. H. (2004). A new species of Peripatopsis from South Africa, P. stelliporata, with observations on embryonic development and sperm degradation (Onychophora, Peripatopsidae). Journal of Zoology, 264(3), 295–305. doi:10.1017/s0952836904005783

https://recentlyextinctspecies.com/onychophorans-velvet-worms/peripatopsis-leonina

P. leonina was listed as EX 1996. However, there is no conclusive evidence that this species is extinct, and given the nature of onychophorans and the lack of research on this group, there is a chance that this species may still be extant, but Critically Endangered as a result of changes to its narrow habitat.
This species has only been recorded from one small area, and was last collected in 1900. The type locality and its habitats have undergone enormous changes over the past 100 years. Although this species might be considered extinct, onychophorans are notoriously cryptic. They are also seldom collected because of permit requirements and consideration of conservation needs for these animals. Onychophorans have recently been reported as being seen at the type locality (M. Picker, pers. comm.), but have not been collected.