Yellow-Spotted Millipede

Harpaphe haydeniana

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 flat-backed Pacific-coast millipede — black with contrasting yellow-tipped keels that advertise its chemical defense. Like other polydesmids it exudes hydrogen cyanide when threatened (a strong almond scent); harmless to humans in the tiny amounts produced but it can irritate eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoid handling and don't keep it sealed airtight. A cool-forest species: 55-70°F, high humidity, and a substrate that is almost entirely rotting wood, which it breeds well in. Northern-Californian stock tends to do better in captivity than the Washington subspecies. Docile detritivore.

Taxonomy

FamilyXystodesmidae

GenusHarpaphe

Native regionPacific coast North America (SE Alaska to California)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, harmless detritivore

Size & growth

Adult size1.6-2 in (40-50 mm)

Length40.00–50.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature55–70 °F

Humidity75–90%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratemostly rotting wood (90-100%) + moist leaf litter; cool and humid

Substrate depth2-4 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

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

Times kept: 0