Centrobolus splendidus millipede care and questions - please help

[MapleMatt]

Hi, Im new here. Wonder if I can keep about 6 thats the amount Im about to order in 30x30 cm terrarium. If not, could You be so kind and post the enclosure that might be a good fit? Also, we do have about 20C so I guess Id need a heat mat, right? If so, where to put the mat down or on side? Its my first millipede so I dont want to make mistakes and if You provide me with some info, I hope, that Ill be succesfull. Last question, is there any website focused more on millipedes than here? Thank You very much

 

[isopodgeek]

Millipedes in general need an enclosure that is at least as wide and as deep as one millipede. The length of the enclosure needs to be at least twice as long as the millipede. This applies to each millipede. In my research the millipede species in question gets to cm. So 6, 7.6 cm milipedes need an enclosure that is 92 cm long, 8 cm wide and 8 cm deep. You would need a bigger enclosure. Millipedes will do find in either a glass tank or in a plastic container with those dimensions.


As far as heating go, 20C is a little on the cold end. I couldn’t find any information on what tempetures these millipedes prefer. I would ask the seller the temperature requirements of this species as I do not know them.

I also don’t know how you would go about heating up the tank without cooking your millipedes.

 

[goliathusdavid]

For Centrobolus splendidus do not, DO NOT, use a heating pad. This species does not need much extra heat (Peter Clausen recommends none at all in fact) and a heating pad would definitely overdo it. Since 20C is a bit on the chilly side I would advise adding either a humidifier or space heater to the room to increase ambient temperature, though I understand if this is not an option. They also require high humidity, so frequent misting and\or a humidifier is a good idea. But a heating lamp or pad (even at low temps) are likely to kill this species. I agree with @isopodgeek in terms of enclosure dimensions, and in personal experience have almost always found bigger to be better.

This is a truly beautiful species (one of my dream ones since the disappearance of most Aphistogoniulus species due to their listing on CITES). I hope they breed for you!

 

[goliathusdavid]

Also regarding millipede websites I HIGHLY recommend this new one, created by a number of different hobbyists on this forum and it outlines the care of many species (though generally those more available in the US):
https://sites.google.com/view/millipedeenthusiastdatabase/home?authuser=0

 

[isopodgeek]

So sorry that I gave you the wrong information about heat Mats @Obroni22

 

[isopodgeek]

Speaking of the species in question. Where can I acquire one in the USA?

 

[MapleMatt]

Guys, thanks to all of You for great source of informations! Really helpfull, appreciate that!

 

[goliathusdavid]

Speaking of the species in question. Where can I acquire one in the USA?

There are a couple different sellers of Centrobolus splendidus in the USA but probably the most well known is Peter Clausen, who first listed them on his website this past fall, and if you watch carefully they come in stock every so often. As they are an exotic species however, they do require permits to possess and\or move across state lines. I am currently investigating whether or not they require containment facilities but can't seem to find any good information on this. Definitely on my dream list though, and definitely one I am applying for if it doesn't require substantial containment. In the nearer future, hoping my workplace can get its hands on some