How to tell the difference between Ebony (Ivory) and Slate Millipedes?

[feelahthetigress]

I recently (about 2 weeks ago) bought some "Slate" millipedes on ebay...but after acquiring Orin's Millipeds in Captivity book and reading that they do poorly in captivity, I'm beginning to wonder if these are really what they are listed as. The seller didn't say whether they were wild caught or not, but they did say in the listing "This species of millipede can live up to 10 years or so for you!". I doubt that's true if they die easily (unless, of course, they made that up for selling purposes).

Mine appear to be doing very well, are feeding vigorously and are frequently active above-ground (although they also seem to burrow from time to time). I'm wondering if, maybe, they are secretly Ebony-form Florida Ivory millipedes instead. Does anyone know how to tell the difference?

Here's a pic I found that purports to be a Slate Millipede:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/245134

Here's the original ebay posting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slate-Milli...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I notice they have different colored feet...I don't know if that's significant or not, though. In addition, Orin's book says that they are smaller than adult Ivory millipedes, but some of mine are bigger than the two Ivories I own. Of course, I'm not sure if my two Ivories are full size, but they resemble many pictures of adult Ivories I've seen in the past, so... Well, if anyone can shed some light, let me know.

 

[mickiem]

I have never owned or even seen a live Slate Millipede! I looked at several photos of the Slate and it seems the white band is wider than it is on the Ebony and not as clear white. My Ebonys have a very thin, bright white band at the edge of every segment. I saw some photos on Google that were identified as Slate, but they were clearly Ebony.

As far as the size, my Ebony definitely bred at a much smaller size than did my Ivorys.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[feelahthetigress]

Here's a picture. It's not great but i didnt want to dig that one out of its burrow.



Can you tell what it is?

 

[mickiem]

Like I said, I have never seen or kept the Slate - but the millipede in your photos looks just like my Ebonys. Hopefully someone with more experience chimes in.

 

[feelahthetigress]

Hmm...that's suspicious...

 

[Chris52]

I've never kept these, and I don't have enough experience to tell them apart, but judging from the EBay description and "insect" title, the seller probably didnt know a whole lot about them...

 

[7Fin]

What a lovely colour, such a great "insect". ^w^

 

[Hisserdude]

True Comanchelus are very rare, I HIGHLY doubt what the person on Ebay is selling are real Slate millipedes. (Especially not with that care description). They must be Chicobolus.

I suppose you'll know for sure in a few months, if they are really Comanchelus, they'll probably be dead by then, if not, they are Ebony Chicobolus.

 

[feelahthetigress]

True Comanchelus are very rare, I HIGHLY doubt what the person on Ebay is selling are real Slate millipedes. (Especially not with that care description). They must be Chicobolus.

I suppose you'll know for sure in a few months, if they are really Comanchelus, they'll probably be dead by then, if not, they are Ebony Chicobolus.

Well, you are probably right. The seller threw in two free ones (I got five of them but I'd only purchased three), so I also doubt that they're rare or anything. I'm kinda happy that they are likely Ebony millis - those will be easier to care for and more likely to thrive.