Giant Black Millipede

Common Group: SPIDERS & SCORPIONS & INVERTEBRATES
Common Name: Giant Black Millipede
Scientific Name: Achispirostreptus gigas
Distribution: Africa
Size: 5" - 8"

Natural History

Giant black millipedes are also known as African giant millipedes and are locally common in their home range. They are found throughout tropical Africa and usually make their homes on the moist forest floor.

Despite their "creepy" appearance, giant black millipedes are essentially harmless to humans, and in fact are a vital and productive part of the forest ecosystem. Millipedes thrive off of decaying plant matter, enjoying meals of rotten vegetation, decomposing wood, and even carrion. These creatures have earned their nickname as the recyclers of the rainforests.

One particularly interesting aspect of millipede biology is the symbiotic relationship that they have with the small, species-specific mites that live on them. These mites actually help to keep the millipedes clean, and pose no health threat if enclosures are properly maintained. These mites will not spread to you or to other types of animals in your collection.

Size and Longevity

Giant black millipedes are one of the largest millipede species in the world, if not the largest. Specimens measuring up to nearly a foot have been recorded.

Because most giant millipedes are collected as adults, it is very difficult to determine their potential longevity. Despite a lack of information on the subject, most experts suspect that millipedes are relatively short lived. In captivity, life spans between 3 and 5 years are typical.

Housing

These millipedes may be comfortably housed in a standard 5 to 10 gallon terrarium with a secure screen lid. Larger tanks (10 gallons+) are recommended for multiple animals. These creatures are communal and as long as adequate space and food are provided, there is really no limit as to how many millipedes you can maintain together.

Plastic Kritter Keeper brand cages may be utilized as well, although only the largest sizes are suitable, and it should be added that these enclosures are difficult to heat effectively.

Heating and Lighting

Giant black millipedes are a tropical species and prefer temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees. Typically the best way to provide heat for millipedes is with the use of under tank heating pads designed specifically for that purpose. Low wattage nocturnal bulbs (red or purple) can be used, but they tend to dry out the environment fairly quickly.

No special light source is needed to keep your millipedes happy. In fact, bright lights would make them feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. Instead, rely on ambient light from the room in which your enclosure is situated to view your pets. If further illumination is needed, consider a non-heat producing light such as a fluorescent bulb.

Substrate and Furnishings

These millipedes require high humidity in order to thrive. Therefore, a substrate should be chosen that will aid in maintaining healthy humidity levels. Orchid bark, peat moss, and Bed-a-Beast (pulverized coconut husk) all retain water and work very well. Avoid anything extremely absorbent or drying such as sand, gravel, or paper products. Small patches of sphagnum moss and live pillow moss added to the enclosure not only help with humidity, but also help to keep the enclosure moist.

Although they are usually toted as being terrestrial, giant black millipedes will climb quite a bit if provided with a variety of cage furniture. Slabs of cork bark as well as various sticks and logs can be used. Both live and artificial plants and vines may be added as well. Make sure that any live plants you use are non-toxic, as they may get nibbled on.

Water and Humidity

Always provide your millipedes with a large, shallow dish of water. Multiple dishes may be used in larger enclosures to further simulate the puddles that these animals may encounter in the wild. As always, the water should be kept clean and the bowl disinfected regularly.

Humidity levels for this species have been recommended as high as 80%. To achieve this, regular misting of the entire enclosure will be necessary. Once in the morning and once at night should suffice in most situations. Try to avoid allowing the bedding to become soggy. Instead, it should be barely damp between sprayings.

Nutrition

Millipedes are vegetarians. Although they will occasionally consume animal matter in the wild, pet millipedes are best raised on a variety of fruits and vegetables. These animals are not picky, and will eat most of whatever you offer them. Try a variety and see what your particular millipede prefers. However, avoid a monotonous diet. Dietary variety is key to long term health and growth of these animals.

A few favorites are bananas, apples, dark leafy greens (collards, mustard, kale, romaine), sweet potatoes, and carrots. An occasional bit of bread or high quality dry dog food can be offered as well.

It is recommended that all millipede foods be lightly dusted with a quality reptile calcium supplement. Calcium seems vital the their growth and overall well-being. A cuttlebone may be provided as a source of calcium as well, however be certain that your millipedes are eating it before quitting the supplements.

Handling

Giant black millipedes are friendly creatures that will quickly learn to tolerate being held. Newly acquired animals may demonstrate a defense mechanism of curling into a tight ball. With regular and gentle handling, this behavior will be lost.

A second defense that these creatures posses is the ability to secrete a reddish brown liquid that is designed to be very bitter (and slightly toxic) to predators. Most people have absolutely no reaction when this secretion makes skin contact. However a few do report some itching and irritation. To be safe, it is recommended that you wash your hands after handling any millipede.