Madagascar Fire Millipede

Aphistogoniulus corallipes

MillipedeintermediateHarmlessCommunal 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 striking Madagascan 'fire' millipede — dark body with fiery orange-red legs. Unusually it likes to climb, so add bark and branches alongside deep moist substrate. Prefers cooler temps (low 70s °F) with high humidity (70-90%) and good ventilation. Detritivore (leaf mulch, rotting wood, calcium). Harmless, but a notable producer of staining defensive fluid — handle gently, wash hands, keep away from eyes. (Genus taxonomy is in flux; sold as the Madagascar fire millipede.)

Taxonomy

FamilyPachybolidae

GenusAphistogoniulus

Native regionMadagascar

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile; secretes defensive fluid readily

Size & growth

Adult size4-6 inches

Length100.00–150.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature70–77 °F

Humidity70–90%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratedeep leaf mulch + decaying wood with climbing branches; mostly moist; 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