American Giant Millipede

Narceus annularis

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 hardy North American round-back, close cousin to Narceus americanus and kept identically — an excellent beginner millipede. Give 4-6 inches of moisture-retaining, hardwood-rich substrate (rotting wood is the single most important food), leaf litter, and a calcium source. Comfortable at 68-80°F and 65-80% humidity. Supplement with cucumber, other veg, and occasional fish flakes. Long-lived (up to ~10 years) and fine in small groups. Docile detritivore; wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilySpirobolidae

GenusNarceus

Native regionCentral & eastern USA

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, harmless detritivore

Size & growth

Adult size~4 in (100 mm)

Length75.00–100.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature68–80 °F

Humidity65–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratemoist hardwood-rich soil/compost + rotten wood & leaf litter; add calcium

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