Desert Millipedes Care Sheet

Desert Millipede
ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

Desert Millipedes are docile, fairly large millipedes from North America. There are many different colors of Desert Millipedes. Depending on the locality of the specimen, a Desert Millipede could be a dark brown to a bright orange, or a glossy tan to yellow and black stripes! The specimen to the left was collected in New Mexico, USA. It is not a particularly colorful specimen, but she is a large one. Desert Millipedes come out during the summer, after heavy rains, and can be collected by the hundreds on a night like that in some areas! There are many Orthoporus species that are known as the Desert Millipede. Don't worry, most of them have a similar shape, and require the same conditions in captivity, so it is safe to put them all in one caresheet. Desert Millipedes seem easy to keep alive in captivity. Humidity is not as important with these millipedes as it is with some of the tropical species. Desert Millipedes are interesting in any millipede collection, simply because they are large, they come in many different colors, and they are of the few giant millipedes that come from the desert instead of the tropics.

Range	Throughout North America and South America, generally in warm areas.
Type	Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet	Babies and adults eat romaine lettuce, apples, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables. Millipedes should have a supply of calcium added to their diet, like calcium powder, which can be purchased from most pet stores.
Full Grown Size	3.5 to 6 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	75 to 85° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Docile and calm.
Housing	Babies can live in a roomy clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 10-gallon tank, depending on the number of millipedes. Millipedes can live communally. The tank should be twice as long, and at least as wide as the individual, or the largest millipede in the tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	3 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	No decorations are really needed.
Other Names	Giant North American Millipedes, Ornate Millipedes, and Sonoran Millipedes.

*Please note that ALL millipedes can secrete a liquid that can be dangerous to some people. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the liquid, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation, especially if put into the eyes or mouth. Affects of this millipedes' natural defenses may vary between people. All millipedes can secrete this liquid, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!