How to Care for a Millipede Diplopoda

There are thousands of different kinds of millipedes, some of which are common as pets. All millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda, which refers to their many legs. Although many species of millipedes, including pet species, can secrete a caustic substance, millipedes are usually docile and don't mind being handled, unlike many other insect pets. These wiggly bugs can grow to be very large, sometimes up to 10 inches depending on breed. Millipedes are also fascinating to watch and easy to care for.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium
  • Substrate
  • Water dish
  • Thermometer
  • Various millipede foods
  • Calcium supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a large terrarium-type habitat for the millipede. A 5-to-10-gallon terrarium is often a good choice, but the housing depends on the size of your millipede. The terrarium should be twice as long as the longest millipede you have and should be at least as wide as the millipede. The height of the terrarium is relatively unimportant. Millipedes are social insects, and often cluster together, so you may want to consider keeping more than one. Place a lid on the terrarium. This should have some ventilation so that the millipedes can breathe but should be closed enough so that the terrarium humidity will stay high.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the terrarium with a soft substrate. Peat or sphagnum moss, clean compost or leaf litter work well as the millipede can munch on these things. Since millipedes enjoy burrowing, this layer should be about 5-inches thick. The substrate should be kept moist at all times as millipedes require high moisture levels. You can keep the substrate moist by misting it. You can also pour water directly into a corner of the terrarium. This wets the substrate and provides another drinking area for the millipedes.

    • 3

      Place a shallow water dish in the terrarium and fill it with water. The dish should be shallow enough that it does not cover the millipedes, preventing drowning. Rocks can be added to the dish to help the millipedes climb out or stay above the surface.

    • 4

      Install a thermometer in the habitat, and make sure that the temperature in the terrarium stays between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Since most millipedes are tropical, they need to be kept somewhat warm. In colder climates, an under-tank heater may be utilized.

    • 5

      Research your particular millipede breed, and find out what that breed enjoys eating. Each millipede breed eats something slightly different, but for the most part, millipedes are omnivorous and not too picky about food. You can feed them leaves such as oak leaves, as well as fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, lettuce and cucumbers. Dust the millipede's food with a calcium supplement, available at pet stores. This ensures that their exoskeleton grows correctly.