Giant African Millipede
Species Description

The African Giant Millipede, scientifically known as Archispirostreptus gigas, stands as one of the most impressive myriapods kept in captivity today. This species belongs to the family Spirostreptidae within the class Diplopoda, which encompasses all millipedes worldwide. The genus name Archispirostreptus derives from Greek roots meaning "ancient coiled thread," referencing the animal's elongated, segmented body structure.

In the pet trade and scientific literature, this species goes by numerous common names that reflect its impressive size and African origins. Most frequently encountered are Giant African Millipede, African Giant Black Millipede, and Tanzanian Giant Black Millipede. Regional variations in common names also include Shongololo, derived from Zulu and Xhosa languages, which is widely used throughout southern Africa to describe large millipedes. Some suppliers may also list them simply as Giant Millipedes, though this can cause confusion with other large species.

The species epithet "gigas" means giant in Latin, an apt description for an invertebrate that regularly exceeds 10 inches in length. This naming convention helps distinguish Archispirostreptus gigas from the numerous other millipede species found throughout Africa, many of which remain scientifically undescribed. In many African cultures, these millipedes are considered symbols of good luck and are treated with respect rather than fear, reflecting their harmless nature and beneficial role in ecosystem health.

The African Giant Millipede presents an imposing yet elegant appearance, with adults typically reaching lengths of 10 to 12 inches, though exceptional specimens may approach 15 inches. Their cylindrical bodies are composed of numerous segments, each bearing two pairs of legs that propel them in a characteristic wave-like motion. Despite the name "millipede" suggesting a thousand legs, most specimens possess between 256 and 400 legs depending on their age and size.

Coloration in this species is predominantly dark brown to jet black, creating a striking contrast against their lighter-colored legs and antennae. The segments feature visible bands at their edges that may appear slightly lighter, creating subtle striping along the body length. The exoskeleton has a smooth, polished appearance and feels hard and protective when touched. This robust armor provides excellent defense against predators and environmental hazards in their natural habitat.

The head region features two prominent compound eyes, though millipede vision is relatively poor and they rely primarily on chemical and tactile senses to navigate their environment. A pair of short, segmented antennae constantly probes the surroundings, detecting food sources, moisture gradients, and potential threats. The mouthparts are designed for processing decaying plant matter and are incapable of biting humans effectively.

Sexual dimorphism in African Giant Millipedes is subtle but observable in mature specimens. Males typically have slightly modified legs on the seventh body segment called gonopods, which are used during mating. Males also tend to be somewhat slimmer than females of the same age. Female millipedes appear more robust, particularly when carrying developing eggs internally. Young millipedes hatch with only a few segments and leg pairs, adding more with each successive molt as they grow toward adult size over several years.

African Giant Millipedes exemplify the term "gentle giant" within the invertebrate kingdom. Their temperament is consistently calm, docile, and non-aggressive, making them exceptional pets for handlers of all experience levels. Unlike many other exotic invertebrates, these millipedes pose virtually no danger to their keepers and can be handled regularly without concern for bites, stings, or serious defensive reactions.

When disturbed or feeling threatened, African Giant Millipedes display two primary defensive behaviors. The most common response is to curl their body into a tight spiral, protecting their vulnerable underside and legs while presenting their hard dorsal exoskeleton to potential predators. This position may be maintained for several minutes until the millipede perceives the threat has passed. The second defensive mechanism involves secreting a mild irritant liquid from pores along their body segments. This secretion contains benzoquinones and can cause temporary skin discoloration and mild irritation in sensitive individuals. While not dangerous, handlers should wash their hands after contact and avoid touching their face or eyes before doing so.

Daily activity patterns in African Giant Millipedes follow a primarily nocturnal schedule. During daylight hours, they typically remain hidden within substrate, under cork bark, or in other secure hiding spots throughout their enclosure. As evening approaches and light levels decrease, they emerge to forage actively across their habitat. This foraging behavior involves continuous movement and antenna probing as they search for food sources. In captivity, keepers often observe their millipedes becoming more active after regular feeding times, learning to associate keeper presence with food availability.

Social behavior in this species is notably tolerant compared to many other invertebrates. African Giant Millipedes can be successfully housed in groups without significant aggression or territorial disputes. In the wild, they may be found in loose aggregations, particularly in areas with abundant food resources. This gregarious tendency makes them suitable for communal displays where multiple specimens can be observed interacting. However, adequate space and resources must be provided to prevent stress from overcrowding. They do not form complex social hierarchies and interactions between individuals are generally peaceful, limited to occasional contact during movement and feeding.

Creating an appropriate enclosure for African Giant Millipedes requires attention to space, substrate depth, humidity maintenance, and proper ventilation. The minimum recommended enclosure size for one to two adult millipedes is 20 gallons or approximately 24 x 18 x 12 inches. Larger enclosures are always beneficial, as these active foragers will utilize available space, particularly during their nocturnal activity periods. Front-opening terrariums are preferred over top-opening tanks, as they facilitate easier maintenance access and reduce escape risks.

Substrate selection and depth are perhaps the most critical aspects of millipede husbandry. A deep substrate layer of 4 to 6 inches minimum is essential, as these animals naturally burrow and spend considerable time beneath the surface. The ideal substrate mixture combines organic topsoil or coconut fiber with generous amounts of decaying hardwood, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss. This mixture serves dual purposes: providing burrowing medium and comprising a significant portion of the millipede's diet. Never use cedar, pine, or other aromatic wood products, as these contain oils toxic to invertebrates.

Humidity management requires consistent attention to maintain levels between 70 and 80 percent. This is achieved through several methods working in combination. The substrate should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged or swampy. Regular misting with dechlorinated water, typically once or twice daily, helps maintain surface humidity. A shallow water dish provides drinking opportunities and contributes to ambient humidity. Digital hygrometers should be used to monitor conditions accurately, as humidity that drops too low can cause dehydration and molting failures.

Temperature requirements for African Giant Millipedes are relatively forgiving, with optimal conditions ranging from 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Many keepers successfully maintain their millipedes at room temperature without supplemental heating. If heating is necessary, undertank heat mats connected to thermostats work well, though heat should be applied to only one portion of the enclosure to create a gradient. Temperatures below 65°F or above 85°F should be avoided. No special lighting is required, and these nocturnal animals may actually be stressed by bright illumination.

Decor and environmental enrichment enhance both the enclosure's appearance and the millipede's quality of life. Cork bark pieces provide excellent hiding spots and climbing surfaces while also contributing to the diet as they decay. Leaf litter should be abundant, using oak, beech, or other hardwood leaves that have been properly dried. Live or artificial plants can add visual appeal, though live plants require appropriate lighting and may be disturbed by burrowing activity. A shallow water dish with pebbles to prevent drowning completes the basic setup. Clean-up crew organisms such as springtails and tropical isopods can be added to help maintain substrate hygiene by consuming waste and preventing mold growth.

African Giant Millipedes are true detritivores, meaning their diet in nature consists primarily of decaying organic matter. This feeding strategy makes them exceptionally easy to maintain in captivity, as much of their nutrition comes directly from properly prepared substrate materials. Understanding their dietary needs and providing appropriate food sources ensures optimal health, growth, and longevity for these fascinating invertebrates.

The foundation of captive millipede nutrition should be high-quality leaf litter and decaying hardwood. Oak leaves are considered the gold standard, though beech, maple, and other hardwood leaves are also suitable. These should be collected from pesticide-free areas, dried thoroughly, and stored for use throughout the year. The leaf litter layer in the enclosure serves as both hiding cover and a constant food source that millipedes can graze on continuously. Similarly, pieces of decaying hardwood, cork bark, and rotting logs provide both shelter and nutrition as the millipedes slowly consume the decomposing wood fibers.

Supplemental fresh foods should be offered regularly to ensure nutritional variety and adequate vitamin intake. Fresh vegetables readily accepted include cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato, carrots, and various squash varieties. Fruits such as banana, apple, and melon can be offered occasionally, though these should be used sparingly due to sugar content and rapid spoiling. All fresh foods should be placed in shallow dishes to prevent substrate contamination and removed within 24 to 48 hours before they mold. Some keepers also offer mushrooms, which millipedes consume eagerly in the wild.

Calcium supplementation is essential for healthy exoskeleton development and successful molting. The most common method is providing a cuttlebone piece directly in the enclosure, which millipedes will rasp at as needed. Alternatively, calcium powder can be lightly dusted on fresh vegetables or offered in a small dish. Crushed eggshells also provide calcium, though cuttlebone is generally preferred for its accessibility and purity. Adequate calcium becomes especially important during growth phases and pre-molt periods.

Protein sources, while not required frequently, can benefit millipede health and may encourage breeding activity. Occasional offerings of fish flakes, dog or cat kibble, or dried shrimp provide protein supplementation. These should be offered in very small amounts no more than once weekly, as overfeeding protein can cause health issues. Some keepers also note that millipedes will consume their own shed exoskeletons, recycling the minerals and proteins contained within. A shallow water dish should always be available, as millipedes drink regularly and adequate hydration is essential for digestion and molting success.

African Giant Millipedes are generally hardy invertebrates that experience few health problems when maintained in appropriate conditions. Most issues that arise in captivity can be traced directly to husbandry problems, particularly inadequate humidity, improper substrate, or exposure to harmful chemicals. With proper care, these millipedes commonly live 7 to 10 years in captivity, sometimes longer. Prevention through correct husbandry is far more effective than attempting to treat problems after they develop, as treatment options for invertebrates remain limited.

Regular observation of your African Giant Millipede helps detect potential problems early when intervention may still be possible. Healthy specimens are active during evening hours, feed regularly, and maintain a smooth, undamaged exoskeleton. Any significant behavior changes, prolonged hiding, or refusal to eat warrant examination of husbandry conditions. When in doubt, focus on optimizing environmental parameters before assuming illness, as most problems resolve with improved care.

African Giant Millipedes rank among the most handleable of all exotic invertebrates, making them excellent choices for keepers who desire interactive pets. Their calm temperament, lack of venom, and inability to bite effectively combine to create a safe handling experience for most individuals. However, proper handling techniques and awareness of their defensive secretions ensure positive interactions for both keeper and millipede.

To handle an African Giant Millipede, approach slowly and gently scoop the animal from underneath, supporting its body along its length. Avoid grabbing or pinching, which may trigger defensive curling or secretion release. Once in hand, the millipede will typically begin walking, and you can allow it to move from hand to hand in a continuous motion. Their numerous legs provide a slightly ticklish sensation that most handlers find pleasant. Keep handling sessions relatively brief, around 10 to 15 minutes, to minimize stress on the animal.

The defensive secretion produced by millipedes deserves attention, though it rarely presents serious concerns. When stressed, millipedes may release a liquid from pores along their body segments that contains benzoquinones and related compounds. This secretion has a distinctive smell and can cause temporary brown staining on skin. Some individuals may experience mild irritation, itching, or allergic reactions from contact. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling, and never touch your eyes or face before doing so. If secretion contacts eyes, flush immediately with water.

Despite their tolerance for handling, it's important to recognize that millipedes do not benefit from or enjoy human interaction in the way mammals might. They lack the cognitive capacity to form bonds with keepers or seek out handling. Regular handling is done for human enjoyment rather than millipede enrichment. Therefore, handling should be limited to reasonable frequencies that don't cause chronic stress, and the animal's behavior should guide session length. A millipede that repeatedly curls up or attempts to flee is communicating discomfort.

Routine care beyond handling includes daily visual checks, humidity monitoring, and fresh food provision. Weekly tasks involve spot-cleaning waste, removing old food, and checking water dishes. Monthly maintenance should include deeper substrate inspection for mold or excessive moisture and partial substrate replacement if needed. Complete substrate changes are typically needed every 3 to 6 months, depending on enclosure size and millipede load. During substrate changes, check your millipede's overall condition and watch for any signs of health concerns.

African Giant Millipedes represent one of the finest choices for anyone interested in beginning their journey into invertebrate keeping. Their combination of impressive size, docile temperament, minimal care requirements, and handleability creates an accessible entry point that doesn't sacrifice the fascinating aspects of exotic pet ownership. However, prospective keepers should carefully consider several factors before acquiring these animals.

The beginner-friendly nature of this species stems from their tolerance for minor husbandry variations and their straightforward care requirements. Unlike many exotic invertebrates that demand precise environmental control, African Giant Millipedes adapt reasonably well to typical household conditions with modest accommodations. Their feeding requirements are easily met through readily available materials, and they don't require live prey that some keepers find objectionable. The initial setup cost remains relatively modest, and ongoing expenses are minimal compared to many exotic pets.

Potential challenges include the commitment to maintaining appropriate humidity levels, which requires regular attention that some keepers may find tedious. The enclosure substrate requires periodic renewal and proper preparation, involving more effort than simple bedding changes for other pets. Additionally, while handling is generally safe, the defensive secretions may deter individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The nocturnal activity pattern means daytime viewing opportunities are limited, which may disappoint those seeking constantly active display animals.

Lifespan considerations deserve serious thought, as African Giant Millipedes can live 7 to 10 years or longer with proper care. This represents a significant commitment comparable to many traditional pets. Prospective owners should consider their ability to provide consistent care over this timeframe, including arrangements for care during travel or life changes. The long lifespan also means that juvenile specimens require years to reach their impressive adult size.

Legal status should be verified before purchase, as regulations vary by location. In the United States, importation is regulated by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, though captive-bred specimens are legal to own in most states. Some localities may have additional restrictions on exotic invertebrate ownership. Always purchase from reputable breeders or dealers who can verify the legal status and health of their animals. Wild-caught specimens may be stressed, harbor parasites, and contribute to wild population pressures.