Spotted White Tree Millipede, Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi) Care and Species Guide

There are 2 locality variations of the Spotted White Tree Millipede, A. arboreus gundlachi, this is a very unique millipede sub species of Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus, note that The White Tree Millipede, Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus, an all white millipede with no dorsal spotting also resides on the island. 

Additionally, there is a locale of A. arboreus arboreus that has a red body with yellow legs and yellow antennae, i believe that locale should have a subspecies name as does ssp. gundlachi. That is an argument somewhere I am sure of it, LOL. Well, I just wanted to confuse everyone - on with the Spotted White Tree - 

The below variations of the Spotted White Tree Millipede, A. a gundlachi are natural locality variations of the Puerto Rico Island Mountain Ranges. The Defiant Forest regularly breeds both locales.  

1.) Shiny Black legs with shiny black antennae, white body with dorsal spotting spanning the entire length on the body.

2.) Yellow tipped legs with yellow antennae, white body with dorsal spotting spanning the entire length on the body.

Not all millipedes spend their lives buried beneath leaves and rotting logs. Some take a different path, climbing tree trunks, exploring moss-covered bark, and navigating the vertical world of tropical forests. The Spotted White Tree Millipede, Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi, is one of those species.

Native to the tropical Puerto Rico Mountain Rages, this striking millipede inhabits a region unlike anywhere else in the Americas. Puerto Rico is famous for its beaches, but inland lies a far more complex landscape. Ancient limestone hills known as mogotes rise from fertile valleys, while tropical forests, karst formations, caves, and humid mountain regions create countless isolated ecosystems. These unique environments have allowed many species to evolve separately for thousands of years, resulting in a remarkable level of endemism.

Among these specialized inhabitants is the Spotted White Tree Millipede, a species that spends much of its time above the forest floor. Its contrasting white markings and climbing behavior make it one of the more unusual millipedes available to hobbyists and a fascinating addition to naturalistic vivariums.

Species Information

Scientific Name: Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi

Common Name: Spotted White Tree Millipede

Type: Arboreal Tropical Millipede

Origin: Puerto Rico

Adult Size: 4–5 inches

Lifespan: 3–5 years

Temperament: Peaceful

Humidity Requirements: Moderate to High

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Activity Period: Mostly nocturnal but is active during the day as well

A Millipede That Climbs

Most hobbyists associate millipedes with deep soil and leaf litter, but Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi often spends considerable time climbing.

This species burrows as well and spends a great deal of time on the surface, great for display in any vivarium. 

In nature, these millipedes can be found traversing bark, mossy branches, fallen logs, and vegetation where humidity remains high. This behavior sets them apart from many of the larger giant millipede species that rarely venture far from the ground.

Their climbing tendencies create opportunities for keepers to design more vertically oriented habitats. Watching a colony slowly navigate cork bark, driftwood, and tropical décor often reveals behaviors not commonly seen in terrestrial millipedes. Drier conditions compel this species to burrow.

The species name arboreus itself reflects this tendency, literally meaning "tree-dwelling."

Appearance

The Spotted White Tree Millipede possesses a distinctive appearance that immediately separates it from many darker tropical species. The Puerto Rico Mountains harbor the only predominately white millipede on earth. 

Their size of 4 to 4.5" also makes them particularly attractive for display enclosures. Large enough to be easily observed but small enough to thrive in compact vivariums, they occupy a niche between giant millipedes and smaller tropical species.

Natural Habitat

The forests of Puerto Rico experience warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall patterns that maintain high humidity throughout much of the year.

Within these ecosystems, decaying vegetation accumulates beneath dense canopies while tree trunks support mosses, lichens, fungi, and countless invertebrates. The combination of limestone-rich soils, tropical moisture, and abundant organic matter creates ideal conditions for detritivores.

Unlike many strictly terrestrial millipedes, A. arboreus gundlachi utilizes both the forest floor and elevated surfaces. This dual lifestyle influences how the species should be maintained in captivity.

Enclosure Setup

A vertically enriched enclosure works exceptionally well for this species.

While substrate remains important, providing climbing opportunities is equally valuable.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• Cork bark slabs

• Upright branches

• Leaf litter

• Quality Rotten Hardwood

• Moss-covered surfaces

• Moderate ventilation

• Secure lid

A 10- to 20-gallon enclosure can comfortably house multiple individuals.

Because these millipedes regularly explore elevated areas, utilizing the enclosure's vertical space often leads to more visible activity.

Substrate Requirements

Although they climb frequently, Spotted White Tree Millipedes still depend on a nutritious substrate.

The substrate serves as both habitat and food source, supplying essential decomposing organic matter required for growth and molting.

A suitable mix should contain:

• Decayed hardwood material

• Hardwood leaf litter

• Decomposed organic matter

• Moisture-retaining components

Depths of 3–5 inches generally provide adequate burrowing opportunities.

Like many tropical millipedes, they benefit from biologically active substrates that encourage natural microbial processes and decomposition.

Temperature and Humidity

This species thrives under stable tropical conditions.

Temperature: 75–85°F

Humidity: 75–90%

Humidity is especially important because these millipedes naturally inhabit environments where moisture remains relatively consistent.

The enclosure should remain moist but not saturated. Excessively wet conditions can encourage mold growth and poor air quality, while dry conditions may contribute to molting difficulties.

Maintaining moist lower substrate layers while allowing upper surfaces to dry slightly often produces the best results.

Feeding

The majority of the diet should consist of decomposing plant material.

Primary foods include:

• Decaying hardwood leaves

• Rotting hardwood

• Decomposed forest litter

• Organic matter within the substrate

Supplemental foods may include:

• Yellow Squash

• Sweet potato

• Carrot
  

Fresh foods should be removed before spoilage occurs.

Calcium supplementation through cuttlebone or similar sources is also beneficial.

Behavior

Spotted White Tree Millipedes are active, curious explorers compared to many larger ground-dwelling species.

During evening hours they often emerge to climb bark surfaces, investigate branches, and forage throughout the enclosure.

They are non-aggressive and rarely display defensive behaviors beyond curling into a protective spiral when disturbed.

Their climbing habits make them particularly rewarding for keepers who enjoy observing natural behavior rather than simply maintaining display animals.

Molting

Like all millipedes, growth occurs through successive molts.

Prior to molting, individuals may disappear beneath the substrate for extended periods. This behavior is normal and should not be interrupted.

Disturbing a molting millipede can cause serious injury.

Healthy substrate conditions and consistent humidity are among the most important factors supporting successful molts.

Why Hobbyists Love This Species

The Spotted White Tree Millipede offers something many millipedes for sale in the hobby do not—visibility.

While giant millipedes are impressive because of their size, Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi attracts attention through behavior. Its tendency to climb, explore, and utilize the entire enclosure creates a dynamic display that keeps hobbyists engaged.

Combined with its striking white markings and fascinating Caribbean origins, it is easy to understand why this species continues to gain popularity among keepers looking for something beyond the typical forest-floor millipede.

Quick Care Summary

• Scientific Name: Anadenobolus arboreus gundlachi

• Common Name: Spotted White Tree Millipede

• Origin: Cuba and Caribbean habitats

• Adult Size: 3–5 inches

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperature: 72–82°F

• Humidity: 75–90%

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

• Primary Diet: Decaying leaves, rotting hardwood, organic forest litter

• Special Trait: Arboreal and climbing behavior