Giant African Millipede Care

Lifespan:
5 to 7 years in captivity

Size:

Up to 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) long

Enclosure:

• Minimum 10-gallon tank or larger for adults

• Secure, ventilated lid to prevent escape

• Deep substrate (4–6 inches) for burrowing, such as coconut fiber or organic soil
  Include leaf litter, bark, and hide spots for enrichment

Substrate:
Moist coconut coir, peat moss, or a mix of soil and leaf litter
Keep substrate damp but not soggy to maintain humidity

Lighting & Temperature:

• Ambient Temperature: 75–85°F

• No special lighting required; avoid direct sunlight or heat sources

Humidity:

• High humidity preferred, around 75–85%
  
  Mist enclosure lightly every few days

• Provide a shallow water dish for hydration.

Food:

• Herbivorous detritivore feeding on decomposing leaves, fruits, and vegetables
  
  Offer fresh vegetables like carrots, squash, and leafy greens

• Calcium-rich sources like cuttlebone or calcium powder can be added occasionally.

Handling:

Generally safe to handle gently but avoid stressing the millipede

Wash hands after handling, as millipedes can secrete mild irritants

When threatened, African Giant Millipedes curl into a tight spiral to protect their vulnerable underside, showcasing their armored segments.