African Green Millipede

African Green Millipede Care Guide

Common Name: African Green Millipede
Scientific Name: Spirostreptus sp.
Adult Size: Around 15–20 cm
Lifespan: 5–8+ years
Difficulty: Beginner
Activity: Mainly nocturnal

Size

• Adults can reach approximately 15–20 cm.

• Provide enough floor space for the millipede to move and burrow comfortably.

Housing

• Use a secure, well-ventilated terrarium.

• Floor space is more important than height.

• Provide deep substrate (at least 10–15 cm) for burrowing and moulting.

• Cork bark, leaf litter and natural decorations provide shelter and enrichment.

• Keep the enclosure escape-proof, particularly around ventilation gaps.

Temperature

• 22–26°C is ideal.

• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C.

• A gentle heat source can be used if the room becomes too cold.

Lighting

• UVB is not essential, although low-level UVB can be provided.

• Maintain a natural day/night cycle.

• Avoid bright lighting directly over the animal.

Humidity

• Aim for approximately 70–80%.

• Keep the lower substrate slightly moist while allowing some ventilation.

• Regular light misting can help maintain humidity.

• Avoid waterlogged substrate.

Food

• Primarily feeds on decaying plant material.

• Provide plenty of:

• Leaf litter

• Rotten hardwood

• Decaying wood

• Vegetable matter

• Supplement with small amounts of vegetables such as courgette, carrot and squash.

• Provide a reliable calcium source such as cuttlefish bone.

Water

• Obtain most moisture from the substrate and food.

• A very shallow water dish can be provided if desired, but ensure it cannot cause drowning.

• Always use clean, dechlorinated water.

Shedding

• Millipedes moult underground.

• Never dig up or disturb a burrowing millipede.

• Make sure the substrate is deep and moist enough for successful moulting.

• Increased time spent underground is normal.

Handling

• Handle gently and infrequently.

• Allow the millipede to walk onto your hand rather than picking it up.

• Wash your hands afterwards.

• Avoid handling during moulting.

Health

Watch for:

• Persistent inactivity above ground

• Damaged or missing legs

• Soft or damaged body segments

• Mites or other pests

• Persistent refusal of food

• Problems moulting

A healthy millipede should have a firm body and move normally when active.

Cleaning

• Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.

• Remove obvious mouldy food.

• Do not completely replace the substrate, as the decaying material is an essential part of the millipede's diet.

• Replace leaf litter and decaying wood as required.

• Spot-clean only where possible.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Set up the enclosure several days beforehand.

• Add 10–15+ cm of suitable organic substrate.

• Add plenty of leaf litter and decaying hardwood.

• Check temperature and humidity.

• Provide hides and natural decorations.

• Have fresh vegetables and calcium available.

Important Bits

• 🪵 Decaying wood and leaf litter are essential food sources.

• 🕳️ Deep substrate is essential for burrowing and moulting.

• 💧 Keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged.

• 🦴 Always provide a calcium source.

• 🌙 They are primarily nocturnal.

• ⚠️ Some millipedes can release defensive secretions, so wash your hands after handling.

• 🚫 Never disturb a millipede that is underground moulting.