Caring for your Florida Ivory Millipede
Florida Ivory Millipede
(Chicobolus spinigerus)
Basic Information:
The Florida Ivory Millipede is a smooth-bodied, medium-sized millipede native to the southeastern United States, especially Florida and Georgia. Known for their creamy ivory-white coloration contrasted with darker segment lines, these millipedes are gentle, slow-moving detritivores that thrive in warm, humid forest-floor environments rich in leaf litter and decaying wood. With their calm disposition and minimal care requirements, they are excellent invertebrates for both beginners and naturalistic enclosure enthusiasts.
Lifespan:
Up to 5 years in captivity with proper husbandry.
Sexing:
As with most millipedes:
Males possess modified legs (gonopods) on the 7th segment.
Females have uniform walking legs across all segments.
Sexing is easiest when gently viewing the underside while the millipede moves.
Size:
Adults generally reach 3–4.5 inches in length
Enclosure:
Juveniles: 2.5-5 gallon enclosure.
Adults: 5-10-gallon enclosure for small colonies (they thrive communally).
A horizontal setup with 5-6 inches of substrate is ideal, along with cork bark, moss, and leaf litter for hiding and burrowing.
Substrate:
Use Critters, Reptiles & Exotics ISOPOD & MILLIPEDE Substrate to ensure a proper food source, and humidity level.
Lighting & Temperature:
Ambient Temperature: 72-78°F
No special lighting required; avoid direct sunlight or heat sources
Humidity:
High humidity preferred, around 70–85%
Mist enclosure lightly every few days
Provide a shallow water dish for hydration.
Food:
Bumblebee Millipedes are detritivores. Offer:
Leaf litter (their primary food)
Rotten wood
Vegetables (carrot, cucumber, squash)
Occasional fruit (apple, banana)
A calcium source (powdered limestone, cuttlebone)
Remove uneaten fresh produce within 24 hours.
Handling:
Florida Ivory Millipedes are gentle and can be handled briefly, though they may curl up when startled. They may release mild defensive secretions; wash hands after handling and avoid scented lotions or perfumes.
Florida Ivory Millipedes are calm, hardy, and fascinating to observe as they burrow, forage, and explore. Their manageable size, gentle temperament, and simple care requirements make them perfect for classrooms, beginners, and anyone building a bioactive display enclosure.
Are Florida Ivory Millipedes For Sale at a Pet Store Near Me?
Florida Ivory Millipedes are a stunning mix of beauty and utility — striking black and cream banding paired with a calm, easygoing nature make them a favorite for bioactive builds and millipede enthusiasts alike. If you’re in Prince William County, VA, you're just a short drive from Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, Maryland, where you can check out our current selection of invertebrates and get all the supplies you need to care for them properly. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!