Captive Bred Mozambique Fire Millipedes, Centrobolus splendidus
They are one of the most beautiful species of millipede. Rich red coloration & very glossy!
Feeding: Millipedes will primarily feed on their substrate. That’s why we recommend Vivarium Naturals Bio-Thrive Millipede Substrate.
They love decomposing wood and Vivarium Naturals Premium Aged Hard Wood Leaves. This will make up the bulk of their diet, making it necessary to change out spent substrate (appears as little dirt balls) with fresh substrate on a regular basis. Vivarium Naturals Nutra-Pede Protein & Mineral Nutriment provides important extra protein they enjoy along with essential minerals for a long and healthy life.
Temperature: You'll be fine keeping your millipedes at room temperature. For most species, 72F to 78F is ideal. Supplemental heating in the form of a low wattage heat mat can be used if needed, but take care that it doesn't dry out your millipede's habitat too quickly.
Humidity: Humidity is a very important aspect to millipede keeping, as well. Millipedes will drink - some people provide them with a small water bowl, but misting, providing a moist substrate, and providing fresh food will keep them hydrated. Critter keepers and the like can dry out quickly, but do look a bit nicer than plastic shoe boxes. If you go with a cage with a lot of ventilation, you'll want to mist daily. Even though this is a desert species, it takes advantage of more humid refuges under cover.
Size: Mozambique Fire Millipede - adults can measure up to 4" or so.
Age: Millipedes can live for several years in captivity.
Sexing: Millipedes are much easier to sex than you'd think. Count to the 7th body segment back from the head. If the legs look shorter/odd, you probably have a male on your hands! Males have external gonads (sex organs) instead of legs on their 7th segment.
Social Behavior: Millipedes do fine when housed in a group. They are not aggressive towards each other - just make sure to provide plenty of substrate, food, and hiding places.
Breeding: Millipedes are pretty easy to breed. Just leave a male and a female together, and chances are you'll eventually find baby millipedes crawling around in the substrate. Leave the offspring in with their parents - you don't need to be concerned about cannibalism.
Natural Range: Mozambique Fire Millipede, Centrobolus splendidus . They are found Mozambique Africa
