Flat-backed Millipede Husbandry?

[Moediv]

I was looking at millipedes that lived in my area in New England and noticed several rad looking flat-backed species. When doing some scrounging on google I noticed there is little in the way of info for these little guys. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good sources of information or even husbandry advice? I've seen some people sating that they have specific temp and substrate requirements without going into what those might be. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Smotzer]

If you are referring to the Polydesmida order Xystodesmidae or Paradoxosomatidae you can check out what @Arthroverts and myself have been writing for them here. It sounds like you are referring to Xystodesmidae based on what you said about temperature, I gave a summary of that on the family page and what I believe the issue to be.

The Millipede Enthusiast's Database - Xystodesmidae

This family possess 57 genera in 4 sub-families primarily distributed in North America and Asia. It is often considered as representative of the Polydesmida as a whole amongst enthusiasts. The bright coloration and large size of many species has led to at least six genera and upwards of ten

sites.google.com

 

[Moediv]

If you are referring to the Polydesmida order Xystodesmidae or Paradoxosomatidae you can check out what @Arthroverts and myself have been writing for them here. It sounds like you are referring to Xystodesmidae based on what you said about temperature, I gave a summary of that on the family page and what I believe the issue to be.

The Millipede Enthusiast's Database - Xystodesmidae

This family possess 57 genera in 4 sub-families primarily distributed in North America and Asia. It is often considered as representative of the Polydesmida as a whole amongst enthusiasts. The bright coloration and large size of many species has led to at least six genera and upwards of ten

sites.google.com

Awesome thank you!

 

[Smotzer]

Awesome thank you!

Your welcome but just know ahead of time that most Xystodesmidae are very hard to keep in captivity currently, but is something I am hoping to change later this year and that site is where those results will be posted

 

[Moediv]

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that article! In the mean time I'll stick with the other hobby staples

 

[Smotzer]

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that article! In the mean time I'll stick with the other hobby staples

Some of the other non-Xystodesmidae Polydesmida are much easier to care for. I’m just now trying to culture some Eurymerodesmus cf. melacis that I have found in my area.

 

[Moediv]

Some of the other non-Xystodesmidae Polydesmida are much easier to care for. I’m just now trying to culture some Eurymerodesmus cf. melacis that I have found in my area. View attachment 407837

Those are some beautiful pedes! Reminds me of Pseudopolydesmus serratus but a little more ornate haha

 

[mickiem]

I always had a hard time keeping the temps cool enough for these lovelies.