Do giant African millipedes need heat?
African millipede require a near constant air temperature of 70-75oF. This is best achieved by sticking a heatmat on one side of the glass enclosure.
Can you have a giant African millipede as a pet?
If you’re seeking a unique beginner exotic pet that’s easy to keep and care for, look no further than the African giant millipede. In general, giant millipedes are easy pets to care for, and they always get a great reaction from visitors!
What do giant African millipedes eat?
Diet. African giant millipedes will eat a wide range of fruits, veg and rotting leaves. Adults and young alike, eat bananas, tomatoes, melons, romaine lettuce, apples, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables. Millipedes should have a supply of calcium and oak/bramble leaves/branches in their diet.
How long do African millipedes live for?
Giant African Millipedes have a typical lifespan of 5-7 years.
How big do African giant millipedes get?
4 to 12 inches
Giant African millipedes are a large arthropod, classified by a segmented body, an exoskeleton, and many, many legs! They are usually dark brown and black in color, have a rounded body, and range from 4 to 12 inches in length.
Do giant African millipedes need a water bowl?
All of the giant millipede species come from the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world, so they might need some supplementary heating within a normal house. Although millipedes will gain much of the moisture that they need from their food, they will still drink from a water bowl.
Do giant African millipedes bite?
Although the name millipede means “thousand-feet,” most giant African millipedes only have about 300 to 400 legs. A millipede has weak jaws and cannot deliver a good bite, so instead it will coil into a ball and secrete a foul fluid from its body’s pores.
Can millipedes be pets?
If you’ve never cared for an arthropod pet before, a millipede is a good first choice. They’re fairly low maintenance pets and can be handled even by young children, with supervision, of course. Many pet stores sell African giant millipedes, which grow to 10 inches or more in length.
Is it safe to hold a millipede?
Millipedes are not poisonous, but many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is not advisable to handle millipedes with your bare hands. Persons handling millipedes may also notice a lingering odor on their hands.
Do African giant millipedes bite?
A millipede has weak jaws and cannot deliver a good bite, so instead it will coil into a ball and secrete a foul fluid from its body’s pores. Since centipedes are venomous, they are usually brightly colored as a warning to predators.
Do giant millipedes like being handled?
They can be handled, and are quite docile and slow moving. They get along fine with others so you can keep several together in this habitat. Millipedes do not actually have a thousand legs – they usually have around 200-250 (2 sets of legs per body segment).
How do I get rid of millipedes?
5 Ways to Get Rid of Millipedes
- Seal any cracks and/or crevices in the foundation, around wiring, and plumbing where millipedes, or other pests, could enter.
- Millipedes require high humidity.
- Repair any leaks.
- Clean out and remove debris from gutters.
- Keep your yard clean by removing dead plant matter.
Which is the best millipede to care for?
Effects of these natural defences may vary from person to person. Millipedes are an interesting and rewarding group of invertebrates to care for and breed and by far the best for a beginner is the giant African millipede, also known as the Tanzanian or train millipede.
How big of an aquarium do you need for an African giant millipede?
African giant millipedes do very well in captivity as long as they are kept in an environment that suits their needs. As a general rule, a 10- to 15-gallon aquarium provides ample room for a couple of millipedes.
Is the African giant millipede an insect or an arthropod?
If you’re seeking a unique beginner exotic pet that’s easy to keep and care for, look no further than the African giant millipede. Millipedes may look a bit like insects, but in fact, they’re arthropods —relatives of crabs and shrimp.
How often should I Clean my African millipede cage?
Millipedes do not need toys or any decorations for the cage, but they do need a clean environment. Set aside time once a week to clean the cage. Remove your millipedes to a temporary home. If you have a backup tank, that is best.