Giant African Millipede

• ExerciseLow

  Mostly a sit-and-watch animal — good hides and enrichment matter more than exercise.

• GroomingRoutine husbandry

  Routine enclosure cleaning plus a humidity boost at shedding time.

• Living spaceLarge enclosure

  Needs a large enclosure — floor space really matters.

• Owner experienceGreat first pet

  Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• Commitment5–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Dehydration · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

Archispirostreptus gigas is one of the world's largest millipedes, native to the rainforests of East Africa and reaching 25-30 cm in length. These placid detritivores live 5-10 years and spend their days burrowing and grazing on decaying plant matter. Their calm nature and slow pace make them excellent, handleable invertebrates for all ages. Provide a horizontal terrarium with at least 10-15 cm of deep, moist substrate rich in decomposing hardwood leaf litter and rotting wood, kept at 24-28C and high humidity around 75-85 percent. Add cuttlebone or crushed eggshell for the calcium they need to harden new segments after molting. They eat vegetable scraps, cucumber, and decaying leaves. When alarmed they coil and can secrete a defensive fluid containing benzoquinones that stains and irritates, so wash hands after handling and keep it away from eyes and mouth. Mites are common and usually harmless but worth monitoring.

• How active is a Giant African Millipede?

  Low. Mostly a sit-and-watch animal — good hides and enrichment matter more than exercise.

• How demanding is Giant African Millipede care?

  Routine husbandry. Routine enclosure cleaning plus a humidity boost at shedding time.

• What enclosure does a Giant African Millipede need?

  Large enclosure. Needs a large enclosure — floor space really matters.

• Is a Giant African Millipede a good fit for first-time owners?

  Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• How long do Giant African Millipede live?

  5–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Giant African Millipede?

  Keep an eye out for Dehydration, Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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