Rusty Millipede

Trigoniulus corallinus

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.

Secretes benzoquinones

Stains skin brown for several days and stings badly in the eyes or on broken skin. Wash your hands after handling, don't rub your face, and keep it well away from small children.

About

A glossy rusty-red millipede — peaceful, nocturnal, and very easy, keeping well in groups. Maintain a moist (not soggy) tropical setup, 72-79°F and 70-85% humidity, with deep substrate of soil, decaying leaves, and wood plus a calcium source — the substrate is most of its diet. Long-lived for its size with good care. Harmless; can secrete a defensive fluid, so wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilyTrigoniulidae

GenusTrigoniulus

Native regionSoutheast Asia (widely introduced)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentpeaceful, nocturnal

Size & growth

Adult size2-3 inches (5-7 cm)

Body length1.97–2.76 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNo distinct stages

DevelopmentAnamorphic — gains segments with each moult

Millipedes molt underground in a small chamber and can stay buried for weeks. If yours has disappeared into the substrate, leave it be — digging it up mid-molt can kill it.

Climate

Temperature72–79°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 depth3-4 inches

Water dishOptional

Moisture gradientRequired — keep one end damp, one end dry

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Food & schedulecontinuous — leaf litter, decaying hardwood, veg + calcium

Supplemental calciumRequired — cuttlebone or a calcium powder

Times kept: 0