Buzz
Millipedes are elongated invertebrates commonly found dwelling beneath rocks and within decaying logs across the globe. While belonging to the same biological family as centipedes, millipedes boast a greater number of legs. Contrary to their name, millipedes typically have between 80 and 400 legs. Their natural habitat consists of moist soil beneath layers of decomposing leaf litter or mulch. However, it's possible to create an artificial habitat for them.
Steps to Follow
Setting Up the Habitat
Choose the appropriate container size. Opt for a glass or Plexiglas aquarium from a pet store, which allows for easy observation and lighting control. Plexiglas, being lighter, is preferable if you intend to transport your millipedes occasionally. Aim for a 5 to 10-gallon tank.
- Ensure the enclosure is equipped with a secure metal mesh screen lid to prevent escape.
- Opt for wider cages over taller ones for better millipede observation, as they spend considerable time hiding rather than climbing.
Prepare the bedding material. Your millipede's bedding should consist of natural materials such as damp sphagnum moss and bark. Avoid using gravel or artificial turf as they can be harmful to your millipedes.
- Line the bottom of the tank with the bedding material.
- Ensure the bedding is deep enough to accommodate the length of your longest millipede.
- Creating a comfortable environment for your millipedes is essential for their well-being.
Provide hiding spots. Millipedes enjoy climbing and prefer secluded areas away from direct light. Adding hideaways like tree bark, coconut shells, or rocks will fulfill their natural instincts.
- Consider burying part of the hideaway in the bedding to allow for burrowing.
- Creating a diverse environment in the tank enhances your millipedes' quality of life.
Maintain optimal tank conditions. Ensure the tank maintains a warm and humid climate, with temperatures between 60-78°F (15-26°C) and humidity around 75 to 80 percent.
- Regulating temperature and humidity levels is crucial for your millipedes' health and molting process.
- Adding a water bowl and ventilation holes can help maintain moisture levels in the tank.
- Consider using an automatic timer to mimic natural light cycles.
- Exploring your millipedes under a black light can reveal fascinating details.
Separate millipede species. Avoid mixing different millipede species in the same tank to prevent competition and potential harm.
- Keeping only one species per tank reduces the risk of interference, especially if breeding is desired.
Maintaining Cleanliness in the Habitat
Clean the tank thoroughly. Use a solution of 3 percent bleach and water to scrub the tank and its furnishings. Ensure all traces of substrate are removed before scrubbing. Wear gloves and relocate the millipedes to a temporary habitat while cleaning.
- Protect your hands with rubber gloves during the cleaning process.
- Temporarily house the millipedes in a separate container during cleaning.
Rinse everything with water. After scrubbing, rinse all items under running water to remove any remaining bleach solution. Use a brush or towel to clean the tank's interior.
Dry the tank and furnishings. Thoroughly dry the tank and furnishings with towels or paper towels. Replace the substrate and reintroduce the furnishings before returning the millipedes.
- Ensure the enclosure is completely dry before reassembling and reintroducing the millipedes.
Regular maintenance is key. Clean the habitat at least once a week to maintain a healthy environment for your millipedes. Choose a convenient day for thorough cleaning, and consider spot cleaning as needed during the week.
- Spot cleaning can be done by wetting a paper towel and wiping any soiled areas within the enclosure.
Feeding and Nurturing Your Millipede
Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Millipedes enjoy a diverse diet, including small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Ensure food is chopped into tiny portions and remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain cleanliness.
- Consider offering fresh romaine lettuce, squash, melon, banana, apples, and cucumbers.
Include ground cuttlebone for essential nutrients. Enhance your millipede's diet with ground cuttlebone for added lime salts. Sprinkle a small amount onto the substrate for their consumption.
- Ground cuttlebone is readily available at pet stores.
Introduce occasional treats. Experiment with different foods occasionally, ensuring treats are given in moderation, such as once or twice per week. Treat options may include dry pet food, mushrooms, rotting leaves, fish food, and table scraps.
- Monitor your millipede's intake and adjust accordingly.
Feed your millipede daily. Offer fresh food daily, adjusting the quantity based on their consumption. Remove any uneaten portions in the morning and replace with fresh food.
Provide a shallow ceramic dish for water. Ensure your millipede always has access to clean, fresh water. Change the water daily and monitor for cleanliness, replacing if necessary.
- Use chlorine-free water.
- Add a sponge or pebbles to prevent drowning, replacing the sponge regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Practice good hygiene. Minimize handling your millipedes, but if you do, remember to wash your hands before and after. Avoid contact between millipede secretions and your eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
Useful Tips
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Some millipede species can live up to seven years.
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Millipedes can reach lengths of 4-11 inches (10.16-27.94 centimeters).
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Millipedes are harmless and do not sting or bite humans.
Warnings
- Some millipede species produce a defensive liquid containing hydrogen cyanide, which can be harmful to small animals.
- Millipedes may pose a threat to plant seedlings in some cases.
