Florida Ivory Millipede Information

Florida ivory millipedes are one common species of millipedes found in the United States. These active creatures are also frequently found as pets. They can be interesting to watch and require only a small amount of care. These long insects, with many legs, giving them the name millipede, can be fascinating to study, whether you want to know more about the wild species or your pet.

  1. Appearance

    • Like other millipede species, the Florida ivory millipede has a round, somewhat tubular body shape. The millipede has hundreds of tiny legs protruding from its underside. Florida ivory millipedes are known as ivory millipedes because of their coloring. Although they are a dark gray, brown or red along the tops of their bodies, these millipedes are white or a pale brown or cream color on their undersides. The legs of the Florida ivory millipede are also this pale color. The pale markings may extend up along the top part of the millipede, giving the body a striped appearance. Florida ivory millipedes grow quickly to their full size, which is about four inches long.

    Diet

    • Florida ivory millipede are herbivorous. They eat many different vegetables or fruits, scavenging whatever happens to be available. Although they may eat fresh foods, most Florida ivory millipedes prefer fruits and vegetables that have started to turn slightly, becoming soft. The insects also often eat dry leaves, such as oak leaves, especially if the leaves have started to decompose.

    Native Habitat

    • Florida ivory millipedes are found along the eastern coast of the United States, especially from South Carolina through Florida. These large insects can also be found on some of the islands around Florida. They inhabit warm, moist woodland areas.

    Care

    • Florida ivory millipedes require a terrarium type habitat that is at least twice as long as the millipede. It should also be as wide as the millipede. Provide a deep layer of soft, moist mulch or soil bedding for the millipede to dig in. Use a heating pad or light to keep the temperature of the millipede habitat between about 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide a shallow water dish for drinking water as well as humidity. You can also mist the terrarium in order to keep it damp. Feed the Florida ivory millipede a wide variety of foods, such as tomatoes, melons, decaying leaves and lettuce, and repeat foods the millipede seems to favor. Add an insect calcium supplement to the food to make sure the millipede gets this essential nutrient.