Smokey Oak Millipede

Narceus gordanus

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 smooth, smoky-grey giant native to the southeastern US — docile, handleable, and easy for beginners and experienced keepers alike. Keep a well-ventilated but moist (not waterlogged) enclosure at 70-78°F and ~75-80% humidity, with at least 4 inches of coco/sphagnum/leaf-litter substrate for burrowing — which doubles as its food, alongside decaying wood and a calcium source. Harmless; can release a defensive fluid, so wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilySpirobolidae

GenusNarceus

Native regionSoutheastern USA

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile; handleable

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 4 inches

Length60.00–120.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature70–78 °F

Humidity75–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratecoco fiber + sphagnum + leaf litter & decaying wood (deep); calcium source

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