Firehead Millipede

Spirostreptus servatius

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 large African millipede, dark olive-black with a contrasting reddish head ('fire head'). Hardy and beginner-friendly like other giant African species: damp (not waterlogged) deep substrate of coco/soil, leaf litter, and rotting wood, 70-80% humidity, room warmth, and a calcium source. Detritivore. Harmless; secretes a mild defensive fluid — wash hands after handling. (Also placed in Analocostreptus.)

Taxonomy

FamilySpirostreptidae

GenusSpirostreptus

Native regionEast Africa (Tanzania)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, hardy

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 8 inches (20 cm)

Length150.00–200.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature72–82 °F

Humidity70–80%

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