Chocolate Millipede

Ophistreptus guineensis

MillipedebeginnerHarmlessCommunal 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 glossy chocolate-brown African giant — hardy, long, and a good beginner display millipede. Keep warm (74-86°F) and humid (70-85%, higher at night) with deep damp substrate of coco/soil, leaf litter, and rotting wood, plus a calcium source; moisten about a third of the substrate so it can choose its dampness. Detritivore. Harmless; can release a mild defensive fluid, so wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilySpirostreptidae

GenusOphistreptus

Native regionWest Africa

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, hardy

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 8 inches

Length150.00–200.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature74–86 °F

Humidity70–85%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratedeep coco/soil + decaying hardwood leaf litter & rotten wood; add calcium (cuttlebone)

Substrate depth4-6 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

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

Times kept: 0