Giant Millipedes can be found throughout the subtropical to tropical regions of Australia the largest of these are found around the Wet Tropics Region and further North. The most common species in captivity are the Redlegged millipede from Southeast QLD, and the giant black millipede and white ring millipede of Far North QLD.
Housing
Giant millipedes must be kept at temperatures above 15C but not exceeding 30C.
An enclosure of minimum 20L would be acceptable for a pair of giant millipedes, adding another 5L for each additional millipede.
Whilst giant millipedes do burrow a larger footprint enclosure is preferred.
Recommended substrates: Forest floor mix, isopod and millipede mix or decaying timber.
It is recommended to add some large pieces of limestone the the enclosure particularly for the FNQ species aswell as a large amount of decaying timber and leaves.
Health and Cleanliness
Giant millipedes should be handled with care, a small fall has the potential to do serious damage to them.
Giant millipedes excrete a slightly toxic substance when disturbed which may stain hands make sure to wash your hands before and after handling. Use caution as this substance will sting if it gets into an open wound or eyes.
Spot clean their enclosures and change substrate as needed.
Never allow food to become moldy, even if using a bioactive setup with cleanup crews, as this may cause unwanted problems.
Food & Water
Feed your giant millipedes fresh fruit and vegetables every second day, remove any uneatten food and adjust quantities accordingly. Supplement with crushed cuttlebone or isopod and millipede mix.
If using an organic wood based substrate your millipede will feed on the soil, replace your substrate once frass becomes noticeable throughout.
Spray down enclosure with water weekly or whenever the surface of the substrate begins to dry out.
Water bowls optional
Breeding
Red legged millipedes and the other smaller giant millipede species will readily breed in captivity, without needing to provide any external stimuli. The babies will start life as tiny little white versions of their parents, growing larger and gaining more body segments as they continue to molt.
The FNQ giant millipedes very rarely breed in captivity. Using alkaline timber based soils and simulating the wet and dry seasons has given some success.
To sex your millipede you must look at the underside for a pair of modified stump like legs on the males segment 7.
Giant millipedes may be shipped to all states of Australia excluding Tasmania and WA. NT require an import permit.
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