How long do Giant African Millipedes live?
They commonly live 5-10 years in captivity with stable warmth and moisture, growing steadily through successive molts.
What do Giant African Millipedes eat?
Feed decaying plant matter, leafy greens, cucumber, squash, and soft fruit 2-3 times weekly, plus a cuttlebone for calcium. They are detritivores, so leaf litter and rotting wood in the substrate also feed them.
Enclosure setup
Use a 10-20 gallon tank with 6+ inches of coco fiber mixed with rotting wood and leaf litter, 75-85°F, and 75-85% humidity. A secure, well-aired lid is essential because they climb and burrow.
Common mistakes with Giant African Millipedes
Major errors are substrate too shallow to molt in, humidity swings that cause failed molts, letting the secreting animal near eyes or pets, and a loose lid that lets a foot-long millipede escape.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Too little substrate, so the millipede cannot molt safely.
- Humidity swings that cause a failed, fatal molt.
- Touching your face after handling without washing - the secretion irritates.
- A loose lid - they are strong climbers and will escape.