Bumblebee Millipede

Anadenobolus monilicornis

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 small, attractive millipede ringed in black and yellow 'bumblebee' bands — fast, prolific, and a great beginner colony species. Keep it a touch above room temperature (71-82°F) on consistently semi-moist substrate (70-80%) at least 2 inches deep, made of soil, decaying wood, and leaf litter, which is also its food. Add a calcium source. Communal and easy to breed. Harmless; may release a mild defensive fluid, so wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilyRhinocricidae

GenusAnadenobolus

Native regionCaribbean; introduced to Florida

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, active

Size & growth

Adult size2-3 inches

Body length0.98–2.95 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

Temperature71–82°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 depth2-4 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