Desert Millipede

Orthoporus ornatus

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, handleable desert millipede and a classic beginner species — long-lived (around a decade with good care). Unlike tropical millipedes it needs strong ventilation: moisten only about a third of the substrate (deep, loose, with oak leaf litter on top) and let the rest stay drier, targeting 60-80% humidity without stagnation. Room warmth (75-80°F); never put a heat mat under the substrate. A detritivore — the leaf litter and rotting wood are its food, plus a calcium source. Harmless, though it can release a staining defensive fluid, so wash hands after handling.

Taxonomy

FamilySpirostreptidae

GenusOrthoporus

Native regionSouthwestern USA, northern Mexico

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile; handleable

Size & growth

Adult size4-9 inches

Length100.00–230.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature75–80 °F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate; good ventilation

Substratedeep coco/soil + decaying hardwood leaf litter & rotten wood; add calcium (cuttlebone)

Substrate depth3-4 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

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

Times kept: 0