Aysheaia

Aysheaia was a genus of Cambrian-aged soft-bodied, caterpillar-shaped fossil organisms with average body lengths of 1–6 cm.

Anatomy
Aysheaia has ten body segments, each of which has a pair of spiked, annulated legs. The animal is segmented, and looks somewhat like a bloated caterpillar with a few spines added on — including six finger-like projections around the mouth and two grasping legs on the "head." Each leg boasts a subterminal row of about six curved claws.[1] No jaw apparatus is evident.[2] The pair of legs marks the posterior end of the body, unlike in onychophorans where the anus projects posteriad; but this may be an adaptation to the terrestrial habit.

Ecology
Based on its association with sponge remains, it is believed that Aysheaia was a sponge grazer and may have protected itself from predators by seeking refuge within sponge colonies. Aysheaia probably used its claws to cling to sponges.

A terminal mouth is also seen in tardigrades that are omnivores or predators (but not detritovores or algavores) — this may provide an ecological signal.