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Giant African Millipede
Archispirostreptus gigas
The Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is the largest living diplopod, reaching up to 38 cm. A docile terrestrial detritivore, it requires a deep organic substrate rich in decaying wood and oak leaves.
Class:Diplopoda
Order:Spirostreptida
Family:Spirostreptidae
Genus:Archispirostreptus
Species:Archispirostreptus gigas
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 85 %
Day temperature
21 - 29 °C
Night temperature
20 - 24 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the warm coastal regions and tropical rainforests of East Africa. This giant millipede is strictly terrestrial, dwelling in the deep forest floor, decaying leaf litter, and humus layer away from direct sunlight.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The largest millipede in the world, reaching up to 38 cm in length and the thickness of a human thumb. The cylindrical body is matte black with mahogany-red legs, consisting of 250 to 270 segments. When threatened, they secrete a defensive fluid containing benzoquinones that smells of vinegar and stains human skin brown.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal, docile, and slow-moving. They spend most of their time burrowing and feeding on decaying organic matter. If disturbed, they roll into a tight spiral to protect their vulnerable head and legs. They often host small, beneficial symbiotic mites that clean their exoskeleton.
Morphology: Males and females are similar in size. Males are distinguished by the absence of legs on the seventh body segment, which are replaced by specialized reproductive structures called gonopods.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a horizontal terrarium or ventilated enclosure (minimum 60x45 cm of floor space). Substrate depth is crucial and must be at least 15 cm deep, consisting of organic compost, forest soil, decayed hardwood (flake soil), and oak leaf litter. Do not use coconut coir, as it can cause fatal impactions.
Lighting and Heating: Keep temperatures stable between 23 and 25°C. Avoid temperatures exceeding 28°C, which can cause estivation or death from desiccation. No UVB lighting is required, as the species is photophobic and prefers total darkness.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 75% and 85%. Keep one side of the substrate damp by pouring water without flooding, while leaving the other side slightly drier to allow self-regulation. High humidity is critical for successful molting, as dry molts are fatal.
Feeding and Supplementation: Primarily feed on their organic substrate (decaying wood and oak leaves). Supplement their diet with fresh, moist vegetables (such as zucchini, cucumber, and sweet potato) for hydration. A constant calcium source, such as cuttlebone or calcium carbonate powder, is mandatory to build their heavy exoskeleton.
Compatibility: Peaceful and non-aggressive. They can be housed with other millipedes or isopods. Due to their docile nature, they do not fight, but ensure they are not housed with predatory animals that might attack them during a molt.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to structural collapse or molting failures if calcium or humidity is insufficient. Fungal infections can occur if the enclosure lacks proper ventilation. Symbiotic mites are harmless and should not be removed.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the warm coastal regions and tropical rainforests of East Africa. This giant millipede is strictly terrestrial, dwelling in the deep forest floor, decaying leaf litter, and humus layer away from direct sunlight.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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