Florida Ivory Millipede

Chicobolus spinigerus

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

An easy native beginner millipede. Detritivore — most of its diet IS the substrate, so give deep (4-6in) moist decaying hardwood leaf litter and rotting wood, plus a calcium source for the exoskeleton. Keep the substrate moist at the bottom, surface slightly drier; 70-80% humidity. Harmless, though like many millipedes it can secrete a defensive fluid — wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilySpirobolidae

GenusChicobolus

Native regionSoutheastern USA (Florida)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile

Size & growth

Adult size3-4 inches

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature70–80 °F

Humidity70–80%

Enclosure

Adult size12x8x8 inches

Substratedecaying hardwood leaf litter + coco coir + sphagnum; add calcium (cuttlebone)

Substrate depth4-6 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

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

Times kept: 0