How to Keep Millipedes as Pets
- Jamie Finch
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
Millipedes are calm, fascinating invertebrates that make excellent low-maintenance pets. With their slow movement and gentle nature, they are ideal for beginners and experienced keepers alike.
If you are considering keeping millipedes as pets, understanding their natural habits is the key to long-term success. These animals thrive when their enclosure mimics the forest floor environment they evolved in.
Understanding Millipedes
Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda and are not insects but arthropods. Unlike centipedes, which are predatory and venomous, millipedes are primarily detritivores. In the wild, they feed on decaying leaves, rotting wood, and other decomposing plant material. Their many legs help them burrow through soil and leaf litter in search of food.
Choosing the Right Enclosure
Millipedes do not require large or elaborate enclosures, but they do need space to burrow. A good rule of thumb is to provide a tank that is at least three times the length of your largest millipede and deep enough for several inches of substrate.
Glass aquariums or plastic terrariums with secure ventilation work well. Proper airflow is important, but avoid excessive ventilation that causes the enclosure to dry out. A secure lid is essential, as millipedes can climb surprisingly well.
Substrate depth is critical. For most species, a minimum of 10–15 centimetres of substrate lets your millipedes burrow naturally. Larger species may benefit from even deeper layers.
Creating the Perfect Substrate
The substrate is both habitat and food source, making it the most important component of your millipede enclosure. A proper substrate mix should include:
Decaying hardwood leaves
Rotting hardwood pieces
Organic topsoil without fertilizers or chemicals
Crushed calcium sources such as cuttlebone or eggshell
Be careful NOT to use coco peat/coco coir in your substrate. Millipedes cannot digest the tough fibres, which will gradually build up and eventually block the digestive tract. This can be fatal and whole colonies can be lost.
The decaying wood and leaf litter are essential because millipedes rely on partially decomposed plant matter. Fresh wood is not suitable; it must be soft and beginning to break down. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar, which can contain harmful resins.
Leaf litter should also be added on top of the substrate surface. This provides food and shelter while helping maintain humidity.
Temperature and Humidity
Most commonly kept millipede species are tropical and thrive in temperatures between 22–26°C. Temperate species may tolerate slightly cooler conditions. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and never allow the enclosure to become cold for extended periods.
Humidity is crucial. Millipedes breathe through spiracles and require moisture to prevent dehydration. The substrate should remain damp but not waterlogged. A moisture gradient works well, with one side slightly more humid than the other. This allows millipedes to move to their preferred moisture level.
Misting the enclosure lightly once or twice a week is usually sufficient, depending on ventilation and climate. Always monitor conditions and adjust as needed.
Feeding Millipedes
Because millipedes eat decomposing plant matter, much of their nutrition comes directly from the substrate. However, supplemental feeding helps ensure balanced nutrition.
Safe supplemental foods include:
Cucumber
Zucchini
Carrot
Sweet potato
Leafy greens
Occasional fruit such as apple or melon
Remove uneaten fresh food within 24–48 hours to prevent mould growth. Some mould is natural in a bioactive setup, but excessive mould can indicate overfeeding or overly wet conditions.
Calcium supplementation is important. Millipedes require calcium for proper exoskeleton development, particularly during moulting. Cuttlebone pieces or powdered calcium sprinkled occasionally onto food are effective options.
Handling and Behaviour
Millipedes are generally docile and slow-moving. When handled gently, many species will calmly crawl across your hands. However, they may curl into a tight spiral when stressed. Some species can secrete a defensive fluid that may stain skin or cause mild irritation, so always wash your hands after handling.
Avoid excessive handling, especially after moulting. Newly moulted millipedes have soft exoskeletons and are vulnerable to injury. If you notice a millipede buried for extended periods, it may be moulting. Do not disturb the substrate during this time.
Moulting and Growth
Millipedes grow by moulting, shedding their exoskeleton as they increase in size. Unlike insects, they may add body segments with each moult. Moulting typically occurs underground and can take several weeks.
It is vital not to dig up or disturb a millipede you suspect is moulting. Interruption can cause deformities or death. Maintaining stable moisture and temperature conditions supports successful moulting.
Tank Maintenance
Millipede enclosures are relatively low maintenance. Spot-clean any uneaten food and remove excessive waste buildup if visible. However, much of the waste will naturally break down into the substrate.
Over time, the substrate will be consumed and broken down. A partial substrate replacement every six to twelve months helps maintain nutritional quality. Avoid replacing all substrate at once, as this can disrupt beneficial microorganisms.
Many keepers introduce springtails as part of a bioactive clean-up crew. These organisms help manage mould and assist with decomposition. Be careful if introducing isopods because some species can harm newly moulted millipedes and eat eggs.
Breeding Millipedes
If conditions are correct, millipedes may breed in captivity. Eggs are usually laid in the substrate and hatch into small, pale juveniles. Young millipedes require the same substrate-rich environment as adults, with plenty of decaying wood and leaves.
Because juveniles are small and delicate, avoid disturbing the enclosure if you suspect breeding has occurred.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can harm millipedes:
Using substrate without decaying wood
Allowing the enclosure to dry out
Overfeeding fresh fruits
Disturbing moulting individuals
Using chemically treated wood or soil
Adding coco peat in the substrate
Researching your specific species is also important, as care requirements can vary slightly between tropical and temperate varieties.
Why Millipedes Make Great Pets
Millipedes are quiet, doorless, and require minimal daily care. They do not bite, rarely show aggression, and are fascinating to observe. Their burrowing and feeding behaviour offer insight into natural decomposition processes.
For people interested in bioactive setups, ecology, or unusual pets, millipedes provide a rewarding experience. With proper substrate, consistent humidity, and thoughtful feeding, these gentle detritivores can thrive for many years in captivity.
Keeping millipedes is ultimately about recreating the forest floor in miniature. When you provide the right balance of moisture, organic matter, and stability, your millipedes will reward you with natural behaviour and long-term health.
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