How to Catch a Millipede As a Pet

Millipedes are fascinating arthropods that when kept in captivity, make for an easy-to-care-for pet. Much like worms, they burrow through the earth in pursuit of decaying, organic materials for food. When kept in a tank, you may be able to see these burrows as your millipede makes its new home. Found in abundance all over the United States, finding a millipede to keep as a pet is easier than you might think. Best of all, they don't bite.

Things You'll Need

  • Jar, plastic container or cup
  • Gloves
  • Compost soil
  • Decayed organic material
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Instructions

  1. Capturing a Millipede

    • 1

      Identify the millipede by looking for a pair of legs on each side of the wormlike insect's first three segments and four legs per segment on the rest of its body. Notice the two small antennae near its head. Look for millipedes that are commonly dark-gray, black, brown or reddish. Some varieties sport yellow, red or purple patterns over a black body.

    • 2
      A millipede coils itself when threatened.

      Search for these nocturnal creatures in dark, moist places. Head to a wooded area and turn over large rocks where millipedes might hide. Sift through piles of decaying logs, firewood or compost.

    • 3

      Wear gloves when handling millipedes to avoid getting its defense secretion on your skin. A frightened millipede releases an odoriferous chemical that can cause irritation to the skin and particularly to the eyes.

    • 4

      Carry a jar, a plastic container or a large cup as you hunt. Place a small layer of dirt from where you found your millipede into the container to make it as comfortable as possible. Add decaying leaves, flowers or grass.

    • 5
      Cotten balls moistened with water can quench your millipede's thirst.

      Build a terrarium for your pet by adding 2 or 3 inches of compost soil to the bottom of the tank. Add a few pieces of decaying vegetation to the soil for food. Supplement the millipede's diet with small amounts of fish food. Ensure your new pet has constant access to water by moistening a cotton ball and placing it on the surface of the soil. Keep its terrarium in a dark place and keep the soil moist by misting it as needed.