{"product_id":"giant-strawberry-blonde-millipede-narceus-americanus-wild-stock","title":"Giant Strawberry Blonde Millipede, Narceus americanus |  Wild Stock","description":"\u003ch1\u003eGiant Strawberry Blonde Millipede (\u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e) | Wild Stock\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGiant Strawberry Blonde Millipede (\u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a beautiful color form of one of North America's largest native giant millipedes. Unlike the more familiar dark brown individuals, this uncommon variation displays warm strawberry, caramel, blonde, and honey-colored tones that give it an entirely different appearance while retaining the calm temperament and impressive size that have made \u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e one of the most popular giant millipedes in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are \u003cstrong\u003ewild-collected specimens\u003c\/strong\u003e, carefully selected for their exceptional coloration and overall condition. Every individual exhibits its own unique blend of earthy reds, golden browns, and soft tan hues, making no two animals exactly alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Native Giant of America's Eastern Forests\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits one of the largest natural ranges of any giant millipede in North America. Its distribution stretches across much of the eastern United States, where millions of acres of mature deciduous forest provide an endless supply of fallen leaves, decaying hardwood logs, and rich woodland soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of this region is dominated by oak, hickory, maple, beech, tulip poplar, and other hardwood forests that have accumulated deep layers of organic matter over centuries. Every autumn, fresh leaves blanket the forest floor, slowly decomposing into nutrient-rich humus that supports countless fungi, microorganisms, insects, and decomposers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese healthy forest ecosystems are exactly where giant millipedes like \u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e thrive. Rather than feeding on living plants, they play an important ecological role by breaking down dead organic material and recycling nutrients back into the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAn Impressive Color Variation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Strawberry Blonde form stands apart from typical \u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e through its noticeably lighter coloration. Depending on the individual, colors may range from soft tan and caramel to warm reddish-blonde with subtle pink or strawberry highlights along the body rings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile coloration naturally varies, these lighter animals are especially attractive in planted vivariums where they contrast beautifully against dark soil, mosses, and hardwood leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with their slow movements, substantial body size, and peaceful nature, they make outstanding display animals for keepers interested in native North American invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWild-Collected Quality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur wild-collected Strawberry Blonde Millipedes are selected for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent body condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealthy activity levels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttractive coloration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull adult size whenever available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established, \u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e adapts well to properly maintained naturalistic enclosures with deep organic substrate and abundant decaying hardwood materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNaturalistic Vivarium Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA successful enclosure begins beneath the surface. Deep, moisture-retaining substrate rich in decomposed hardwood materials allows these millipedes to burrow, molt safely, and forage naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eVivarium Naturals®\u003c\/strong\u003e line of vivarium supplies was developed with naturalistic invertebrate enclosures in mind. \u003cstrong\u003eTerra Thrive Bioactive Vivarium Substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e creates an excellent foundation for tropical and temperate bioactive habitats, while \u003cstrong\u003eVivarium Grade Sphagnum Moss\u003c\/strong\u003e helps maintain localized humidity. \u003cstrong\u003eExpanded Clay Drainage Nodules\u003c\/strong\u003e improve drainage in larger planted vivariums, creating a healthier substrate profile for long-term enclosure stability. Whether building a display vivarium or breeding project, using high-quality natural materials helps recreate the woodland environments these giant millipedes naturally inhabit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike most giant North American millipedes, \u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e appreciates:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep organic substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlenty of decomposing hardwood leaves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotting hardwood incorporated into the substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to high humidity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood ventilation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccasional supplemental vegetables and fruit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe majority of their nutrition comes from decomposing organic material rather than fresh foods, making healthy substrate one of the most important components of long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eType\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant North American Millipede\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNarceus americanus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Strawberry Blonde Millipede\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEastern United States\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4–5 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery calm and easy to maintain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eActivity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimarily nocturnal, though frequently visible after misting, during humid weather, and while feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Keep Giant Strawberry Blonde Millipedes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeautiful blonde and strawberry coloration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of North America's largest native millipedes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent display species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful temperament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy to maintain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat choice for naturalistic vivariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFascinating decomposer with important ecological value\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Millipede Collectors","offers":[{"title":"Wild Stock 3.0\" to 5.5\" - $17.49 ea.","offer_id":49808017752306,"sku":null,"price":17.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Wild Stock 3.0\" to 5.5\" -  2 Count $18.00 \/ $9.00","offer_id":49808017785074,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Wild Stock 3.0\" to 5.5\" - - 3 Count $22.50 \/ $7.50 ea.","offer_id":49808017817842,"sku":null,"price":22.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Wild Stock 3.0\" to 5.5\" - - 6 Count $42.00 \/ $7.00 ea.","offer_id":49808017850610,"sku":null,"price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Wild Stock 3.0\" to 5.5\" - - 12 Count  $66.00 \/ $5.50 ea.","offer_id":49808017883378,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/6604\/2098\/files\/strawberry-blonde-millipede-narceus-americanus-wild-stock.jpg?v=1784165854","url":"https:\/\/www.thedefiantforest.com\/products\/giant-strawberry-blonde-millipede-narceus-americanus-wild-stock","provider":"The Defiant Forest  ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}