Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede

Desmoxytes purpurosea

MillipedeintermediateHarmlessCommunal OK

No venom, no sting

Millipedes don't bite or sting and have no venom. Many do secrete defensive chemicals when stressed, so wash your hands after handling and keep them away from your eyes and mouth.

About

A vivid, spiny pink millipede from Thai limestone caves — one of the most striking inverts in the hobby. It wants a humid (70-90%), well-ventilated, planted terrarium with moist substrate, decaying wood, and leaf litter at 70-80°F, kept in small groups. Like other flat-backed millipedes it produces hydrogen cyanide (almond smell) in defense, so don't handle it. Shorter-lived than the giants (2-3 years).

Taxonomy

FamilyParadoxosomatidae

GenusDesmoxytes

Native regionThailand (limestone caverns, Uthai Thani)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, harmless detritivore

Size & growth

Adult size~1.2 inches

Length28.00–32.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature70–80 °F

Humidity70–90%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratemoist coco/leaf litter + decaying wood; humid and well-ventilated

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

Adult cadencecontinuous — leaf litter, decaying hardwood, veg + calcium

Times kept: 0