Giant Millipede Care

Giant millipedes are gentle, slow-moving arthropods commonly kept as educational or display pets. They are detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter, and can live for several years with proper care. While harmless to humans, they can secrete mild defensive chemicals that may cause skin or eye irritation—wash hands after contact.

Common pet species:

• African giant millipede(Archispirostreptus gigas) – The Largest species in the hobby, reaching over 10 in (25 cm)

• Burmese giant millipede(Spirostreptus servatius)

• Various tropical millipede species from Africa, Asia, and Central/South America

Lifespan & Size

• Adult size:8–12 in (20–30 cm) for A. gigas

• Lifespan:5–7 years in captivity; some individuals live longer

• Growth: Molt underground multiple times before reaching adult size

Temperament & Safety

• Very docile and slow-moving—safe for careful, gentle handling

• Defense: May curl into a spiral or secrete a brown/yellow fluid containing mild irritants (benzoquinones)

• Avoid touching your eyes or mouth after handling; wash your hands thoroughly

• Not aggressive and incapable of biting

Housing Requirements

Enclosure Size

• Minimum: 10–15 gallon tank for one adult; larger for multiple

• Secure the lid to maintain humidity and prevent escapes

• Horizontal floor space is more important than height

Substrate

• 4–6 in (10–15 cm) of moist, organic substrate for burrowing and molting

• Ideal mix: Coconut fiber (coir), organic topsoil, and leaf litter; add rotted hardwood for foraging

• Substrate should be free of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature:72–78°F (22–25°C)

• Humidity:75–85%—critical for health and molting

• Maintain moisture with regular misting; monitor with a hygrometer

• Avoid overheating or allowing the substrate to dry out

Lighting

• No special lighting required; indirect natural light or low-level room lighting is sufficient

• Avoid direct, intense light

Décor

• Provide cork bark, leaf litter, and pieces of rotting hardwood for hiding and foraging

• Live plants can be used if pesticide-free

Diet & Feeding

Giant millipedes are detritivores and benefit from a varied diet.

Staple foods:

• Decaying hardwood and leaves (oak, beech, maple—pesticide-free)

• Fresh vegetables (cucumber, carrots, sweet potato, leafy greens)

• Fruits (apple, banana, melon, mango—offered in small amounts)

Supplementation:

• Calcium: Offer cuttlebone or powdered calcium carbonate to support exoskeleton health

• Protein: Occasionally offer soaked fish flakes, dry dog kibble, or mushrooms

Feeding frequency:

• Offer fresh produce every 2–3 days; remove uneaten food before mold develops

Molting

• Molt underground; do not disturb buried millipedes

• Molting may take several weeks—leave undisturbed until the millipede re-emerges

• Ensure substrate depth and moisture are adequate to prevent molting problems

Cohabitation

• Can be kept in groups if space, hides, and food are abundant

• Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress and competition for resources

Handling

• Gently allow the millipede to crawl onto your hands; support its entire body

• Avoid squeezing or pulling

• Wash hands after handling to remove any defensive secretions

Common Medical Concerns

• Desiccation (drying out): Leads to lethargy, inability to molt, and death—maintain humidity and water availability

• Incomplete molt: Often due to low humidity or disturbance; correct environmental conditions immediately

• Mite infestations: Common invertebrate mites can be harmless or harmful—consult a veterinarian for safe control methods

• Injuries: From falls or rough handling—avoid climbing hazards and supervise handling

Veterinary Transport Tips

• Use a ventilated container with several inches of the home substrate to maintain humidity

• Keep the container warm and away from direct sun or drafts

• Minimize vibrations and movement during transport