Captive Bred Red Tree Millipede, Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus – Red
The Captive Bred Red Tree Millipede brings an unusual combination of red coloration, contrasting yellow legs and antennae, and climbing behavior to the millipede collection. Known scientifically as Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus, this Caribbean millipede rewards an enclosure designed for exploring bark and branches as well as burrowing beneath the leaves. Its appeal comes from watching how it uses its surroundings, with antennae continually investigating the surfaces ahead.
For keepers familiar with the impressive size of the African Giant Black Millipede, the Red Tree Millipede offers a different attraction: a smaller, colorful animal whose climbing habits add another dimension to a naturalistic display.
Caribbean Origins: Forests Across an Island Landscape
Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus - Red has a documented range that includes southern and eastern Puerto Rico and several Virgin Islands. These neighboring Caribbean islands contain surprisingly varied landscapes. Puerto Rico alone includes wet mountain forests, slopes formed from volcanic rock, and limestone country shaped by underground water into caves and steep hills. This diversity helps explain why an island’s wildlife cannot be understood as belonging to one uniform “tropical” habitat.
Tree millipedes occupy a world of bark, branches, fallen leaves, and decomposing vegetation. Observations of A. arboreus on tree trunks and branches make climbing structure an especially relevant part of their captive environment. Even with that behavior, access to suitable substrate remains essential.
Species Details
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Scientific name: Anadenobolus arboreus arboreus
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Common name: Red Tree Millipede
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Variation: Red
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Type: Tropical millipede with climbing and burrowing behavior
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Family: Rhinocricidae
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Adult size: Approximately 4½ inches
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Native range: Caribbean; documented in Puerto Rico and several Virgin Islands
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Stock offered: Captive bred
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Diet: Decomposing leaves, decayed hardwood, and other suitable plant material
Build for Climbing—and Life Below the Surface
Provide securely positioned cork bark and branching wood above a deep layer of nutritious substrate. Keep climbing surfaces within a safe distance of the substrate, and use a secure, ventilated lid. A layer of hardwood leaves creates sheltered spaces at ground level while replenishing an important food source.
The substrate should contain well-decayed hardwood and decomposing hardwood leaves, with moisture maintained below the surface without becoming waterlogged. Climbing opportunities supplement this foundation; they do not replace the material needed for feeding, retreating, and molting. Leave buried animals undisturbed.
Keepers who enjoy the forest-floor activity of the Giant Banded Pink Foot Millipede may appreciate the additional bark-and-branch activity offered by a tree millipede. Each makes an interesting subject for its own thoughtfully arranged enclosure.
Feeding the Animal Means Maintaining Its Habitat
Decomposing leaves and decayed hardwood should remain available continuously. Small portions of vegetables can provide variety, but supplemental food should accompany a nutritious substrate rather than serve as the entire diet. Remove leftovers before they spoil, replenish consumed leaves and wood, and replace exhausted substrate gradually.
The Captive Bred Red Tree Millipede is a distinctive choice for collectors interested in Caribbean invertebrates, natural coloration, and behavior beyond simple surface wandering. Explore The Defiant Forest’s millipedes for sale to discover more species for your collection.
