Rioja Red Leg Millipede

Rioja Red Leg Millipede Care Guide

Scientific Name: Trigoniulus corallinus
Common Name: Rioja Red Leg Millipede / Red-Legged Millipede
Adult Size: Around 7–10 cm
Lifespan: Approximately 2–4 years
Difficulty: Beginner
Activity: Mainly nocturnal
Diet: Detritivore

Size

• Adults typically reach around 7–10 cm.
• They need enough floor space to explore and burrow.

Housing

• Use a secure, well-ventilated terrarium.
• Floor space is more important than height.
• Provide 10–15 cm of soft, organic substrate for burrowing and moulting.
• Add cork bark, leaf litter and pieces of decaying wood for shelter.
• Keep the enclosure escape-proof.

Temperature

• 22–26°C is ideal.
• A small nighttime drop is fine.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C.

Lighting

• UVB is not essential.
• Provide a normal day/night cycle.
• Avoid intense lighting and direct sunlight.

Humidity

• Aim for around 70–80%.
• Keep the substrate slightly moist, particularly in the lower layers.
• Good ventilation is important.
• Avoid saturated or waterlogged substrate.

Food

• Mainly feeds on decaying organic material.
• Provide plenty of:
  • Decaying hardwood
  • Leaf litter
  • Rotten wood
  • Vegetable matter
• Suitable fresh foods include small amounts of courgette, carrot, squash and leafy greens.
• Provide a constant calcium source, such as cuttlefish bone.

Water

• A very shallow water dish can be provided.
• Fresh, dechlorinated water should be available.
• Replace water regularly.
• Most hydration will come from the food and moist substrate.

Shedding

• Millipedes moult underground.
• Never dig up or disturb a buried millipede.
• Deep, moist substrate is essential for successful moulting.
• Spending extended periods underground is completely normal.

Handling

• Can generally be handled gently, but keep handling to a minimum.
• Allow the millipede to walk onto your hand rather than picking it up.
• Avoid dropping or squeezing the animal.
• Wash your hands after handling.

Health

Watch for:

• Persistent inactivity
• Soft or damaged body segments
• Missing or damaged legs
• Difficulty moving
• Mould or pest infestations
• Problems during moulting

Cleaning

• Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.
• Remove excessive mould where necessary.
• Do not completely replace the substrate, as decomposing organic matter is an important food source.
• Replace leaf litter and decaying wood as they are consumed.
• Spot-clean wherever possible.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Prepare the enclosure in advance.
• Add 10–15 cm+ of suitable organic substrate.
• Add plenty of leaf litter and decaying hardwood.
• Check temperature and humidity.
• Provide hides and natural décor.
• Have calcium and suitable foods ready.

Important Bits

• 🪵 Decaying wood and leaf litter are essential foods.
• 🕳️ Deep substrate is vital for burrowing and moulting.
• 💧 Keep the substrate moist, but never waterlogged.
• 🦴 Provide a constant calcium source.
• 🌙 Mostly nocturnal, so daytime inactivity is normal.
• ⚠️ Millipedes may release a defensive secretion when stressed.
• 🧼 Wash your hands after handling.
• 🚫 Never disturb a millipede that is buried, as it may be moulting.