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.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
70 - 85 %
Température diurne
21 - 29 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 24 °C
Description de l'espèce
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.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
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.
Origine
Afrique et MadagascarAsie de l'Est
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Detritivore
- The giant African millipede is entirely detritivorous, feeding primarily on decaying plant matter, ripe fruits, and vegetables. Their captive diet should focus on a variety of leafy greens, squash, cucumber, and overripe fruit like bananas or melons. They also heavily rely on consuming soft, decaying hardwood leaves and rotten white wood mixed into their substrate. It is vital to provide a constant source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells, to ensure they can maintain and grow their robust exoskeleton. High-protein items and citrus fruits should be avoided.
- Taille adulte
- 38 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- They lead a terrestrial and fossorial lifestyle, spending a significant portion of their time navigating the forest floor. They are adept at burrowing into soft, damp soil and leaf litter to regulate their moisture levels and find food. They require a highly humid, warm environment that mimics the tropical floors of East Africa. Due to their heavy bodies and numerous small legs, they are very poor climbers and should be kept in horizontally oriented enclosures.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- Archispirostreptus gigas exhibits nocturnal behavior, being most active under the cover of darkness. They shy away from bright lights and generally spend their daytime hours resting quietly or burrowed below the surface. As night falls, they emerge to forage for food and explore their environment. If the enclosure is kept dimly lit and adequately humid, they may occasionally be seen wandering about during the day.
- Sociabilité
- Gregarious
- Giant African Millipedes are entirely peaceful and highly gregarious. They can and should be housed communally, as they often congregate in the wild. Multiple individuals can share the same enclosure without any aggression or territoriality, provided there is enough space and a deep, constantly replenished layer of edible substrate.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Giant African millipedes reproduce sexually and are oviparous, laying their eggs deep within damp soil. A female can lay hundreds of tiny, spherical eggs at one time after successful mating. When the young nymphs hatch, they are completely white and have very few segments and legs. With each successive molt, they gain additional segments and legs until they reach adulthood, a process that can take several years. Successful breeding requires a deep, nutrient-rich, and consistently moist substrate.
- Venimeux
- No
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Handling giant African millipedes is generally very easy due to their gentle temperament and slow, deliberate movements. When picking them up, one should gently scoop them from underneath and allow them to walk continuously from hand to hand. It is extremely important not to drop them, as their heavy exoskeletons can easily fracture upon impact, which is often fatal. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling in case they have secreted their defensive fluid.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- Coming from stable, warm, and tropical environments, this species does not undergo brumation or any form of winter dormancy. They require consistently warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the entire year to remain healthy. Any sudden drops in temperature can drastically slow their digestion and metabolism, leading to impaction or death. Enclosures must be monitored closely during colder months to ensure ambient conditions do not fluctuate.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Millipedes must undergo a series of molts to shed their rigid exoskeleton in order to grow and add new segments. Prior to molting, they typically construct a small subterranean chamber or bury themselves deep within the substrate. During this vulnerable time, they will appear completely inactive and should never be dug up or disturbed. The substrate must be kept consistently moist to ensure the old exoskeleton can be easily shed and the new one hardens properly.
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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