How would I go about obtaining a giant african millipede?

[shieldshredder]

Hi! sorry, I'm new here, so i'm not sure if this has been asked before.

Anyways, I'm a high school senior, and my environmental sciences class requires we maintain a terrarium centered around some kind of animal this semester (the reason this is so late is because we're on a weird quarter system, so the class just started).

I wanted to do some kind of big bug for mine, because everyone else does small bugs or lizards and I want to do something cool. Also, big bugs are awesome. I did some googling, and I think a giant african millipede sounds like a lot of fun!

Problem is, I... have absolutely no idea how to get my hands on one of these big boys. I'm not a bug enthusiast or anything, a millipede just sounds like a fun, relatively short-lived (only a few years if i'm not mistaken?) pet that i could easily bring along with me to college or something, and this school project is the perfect excuse to convince my parents to let me get one (also, it seems big enough that my cat wouldn't be able to try and kill it without me immediately noticing). I just don't really know HOW to get one, and figured I'd ask people who know a lot more than me about it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
(also, if you have any reccomendations for a setup for the little guy, I'd be super grateful.)

-Maurice :]

 

[GhostMouse]

OH MY GOSH YES YES DO THIS DO IT

Okay so! Millipedes, they're amazing. Truly lovely, fun to watch, easy to keep, easy to handle, and come in many beautiful species. LET ME LINK YOU TO SOME INFO

Here is a great primer on the generals from Clint, the Bob Ross of exotics, get addicted to him:

If you have your heart set on the rarer or more expensive ones they may be a tad tricky to get but there are lots of species and all are similarly wonderful. Here's the millipede page at Joshs Frogs https://www.joshsfrogs.com/live-insects-feeders/millipedes-for-sale.html

And here is a keeper who really has some nice stuff, though depending where you are shipping might be prohibited (IIRC he's based in Germany but I can't remember, somewhere in Europe) https://insektenliebe.com/produkt-kategorie/millipedes/?lang=en

 

[Arthroverts]

Unless you are willing to fork likely several hundred dollars and do some deep searching to find some available <edit>, Archispirostreptus gigas (African Giant Black millipede, or AGB) is likely going to be difficult to acquire within the US; imports of this species were banned back in 2006, and this species, being more difficult to breed and incredibly popular, promptly vanished from the market for the most part.

Might I recommend you look into some of the larger US native species, such as Narceus americanus and Orthoporus sp.? They are more readily available and much cheaper. Plus, should you acquire more than one, the former is relatively easy to breed and I believe we have just cracked the code on breeding the latter genus.

And some links to get you started on care:

How to Care for Pet Millipedes

Husbandry suggestions and advice.

petmillipede.weebly.com

Cavedweller's Basic Millipede Caresheet

Cavedweller’s Millipede Basics Care tips are generalized and may vary by species. Last updated 05-21-14 Introduction: Millipedes are slow moving, peaceful detritivores, organisms that eat dead plant matter and turn it into soil. They are not insects, but rather of the class Diplopoda...

arachnoboards.com

The Millipede Enthusiast's Database - Basic Millipede Husbandry

Millipedes, of the class Diplopoda in the order Myriapoda, are a diverse group of creatures found on six of the seven continents. Their history stretches back to the Silurian Period, and they have been decomposing organic matter the world over ever since. For many, millipedes are semi-interesting

sites.google.com

Hope this helps,

Arthroverts

 

[shieldshredder]

Unless you are willing to fork likely several hundred dollars and do some deep searching to find some available <edit>, Archispirostreptus gigas (African Giant Black millipede, or AGB) is likely going to be difficult to acquire within the US; imports of this species were banned back in 2006, and this species, being more difficult to breed and incredibly popular, promptly vanished from the market for the most part.

Might I recommend you look into some of the larger US native species, such as Narceus americanus and Orthoporus sp.? They are more readily available and much cheaper. Plus, should you acquire more than one, the former is relatively easy to breed and I believe we have just cracked the code on breeding the latter genus.

And some links to get you started on care:

How to Care for Pet Millipedes

Husbandry suggestions and advice.

petmillipede.weebly.com

Cavedweller's Basic Millipede Caresheet

Cavedweller’s Millipede Basics Care tips are generalized and may vary by species. Last updated 05-21-14 Introduction: Millipedes are slow moving, peaceful detritivores, organisms that eat dead plant matter and turn it into soil. They are not insects, but rather of the class Diplopoda...

arachnoboards.com

The Millipede Enthusiast's Database - Basic Millipede Husbandry

Millipedes, of the class Diplopoda in the order Myriapoda, are a diverse group of creatures found on six of the seven continents. Their history stretches back to the Silurian Period, and they have been decomposing organic matter the world over ever since. For many, millipedes are semi-interesting

sites.google.com

Hope this helps,

Arthroverts

Thanks so much for your response!

I heard about AGB imports being banned, but one of the websites i was looking at mentioned the AGM - or spiropoeus fischeri, which was slightly smaller than the AGB but readily breed in captivity and as a result are much easier to obtain. Is that true, or was the information I got outdated? I couldn't really find a date on the website. And are those a viable option, or are they actually much harder to maintain than the AGB? Thanks again!

-Maurice :]

 

[goliathusdavid]

AGM's are still pretty difficult to obtain, and any exotic millipede species would require a PPQ 526 permit for interstate movement. I would also recommend Orthoporus ornatus which as a domestic species do not require permits to transport (information I recently received from @Arthroverts to whom I owe a huge thank you!). Orthoporus are available from many different people, but I recommend Peter at Bugs In Cyberspace.

 

[shieldshredder]

AGM's are still pretty difficult to obtain, and any exotic millipede species would require a PPQ 526 permit for interstate movement. I would also recommend Orthoporus ornatus which as a domestic species do not require permits to transport (information I recently received from @Arthroverts to whom I owe a huge thank you!). Orthoporus are available from many different people, but I recommend Peter at Bugs In Cyberspace.

hm, all the species that have been reccommended sound interesting, but i am a little concerned. I was planning on handling a pet millipede a LOT, but i also have a cat who spends several hours a day with me and is a (super adorable) total asshole, so the AGB and AGM sounded particularly appealing since their huge size meant that if they did somehow manage to escape their enclosure or get away from my hands, he probably wouldn't be able to immediately kill them. however, a lot of the native species sound significantly smaller, which makes me a lot more worried, and on top of that, i love absolutely massive bugs and think it'd be crazy fun to care for one. I think for now i'll try to find an in-state millipede breeder (that would be legal for me to purchase from, right?) but if i can't find one, i'll probably look more deeply into some of the native species that have been suggested.

 

[Liquifin]

If you're looking for the AGB then it's literally almost an impossible species to find as I only saw a few in-person by someone randomly selling them about 3 years ago which they were $100 per little baby millipede at a show. Wish you luck if you're going to look for them, also make sure you know they're the real deal if you do find them for sale as many people tend to sell look-alike millipedes to fool people out of there money. I would strongly recommend looking at other millipedes other than the AGB as they're desolate in the US and very rare to come by.

 

[Arthroverts]

Thanks so much for your response!

I heard about AGB imports being banned, but one of the websites i was looking at mentioned the AGM - or spiropoeus fischeri, which was slightly smaller than the AGB but readily breed in captivity and as a result are much easier to obtain. Is that true, or was the information I got outdated? I couldn't really find a date on the website. And are those a viable option, or are they actually much harder to maintain than the AGB? Thanks again!

-Maurice :]

Spiropoeus fischeri are usually what you get when you buy AGBs; I'd say they are a tad more common, but not by much. They are indeed easier to breed however.

hm, all the species that have been reccommended sound interesting, but i am a little concerned. I was planning on handling a pet millipede a LOT, but i also have a cat who spends several hours a day with me and is a (super adorable) total asshole, so the AGB and AGM sounded particularly appealing since their huge size meant that if they did somehow manage to escape their enclosure or get away from my hands, he probably wouldn't be able to immediately kill them. however, a lot of the native species sound significantly smaller, which makes me a lot more worried, and on top of that, i love absolutely massive bugs and think it'd be crazy fun to care for one. I think for now i'll try to find an in-state millipede breeder (that would be legal for me to purchase from, right?) but if i can't find one, i'll probably look more deeply into some of the native species that have been suggested.

Well, I wouldn't recommend handling your millipede more than maybe once or twice a week. Unlike many predatory invertebrates (and many non-predatory inverts for that matter) they are handleable, but they really do best when left alone for the most part.
If your cat is as murderous as you make it sound I don't know if even a large African species would survive for long; if you didn't notice immediately you could end up with a lot of money down the drain. Even if the specimen was only injured, it could pose problems down the line with molting. For these reasons I'd recommend you start with a few native species/specimens to see what happens.

Technically just owning them without a PPQ526 is illegal; however, APHIS has done nothing to stop the keeping and selling of exotic species already in the US.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[shieldshredder]

If you're looking for the AGB then it's literally almost an impossible species to find as I only saw a few in-person by someone randomly selling them about 3 years ago which they were $100 per little baby millipede at a show. Wish you luck if you're going to look for them, also make sure you know they're the real deal if you do find them for sale as many people tend to sell look-alike millipedes to fool people out of there money. I would strongly recommend looking at other millipedes other than the AGB as they're desolate in the US and very rare to come by.

oh, when I said looking for someone in-state I meant for an AGM! at this point I am under no delusions of ever obtaining an AGB (though i will stare wistfully at all the european sites that have them listed for like 20 dollars). However, I do really appreciate your input, and am definitely considering some native species.

Spiropoeus fischeri are usually what you get when you buy AGBs; I'd say they are a tad more common, but not by much. They are indeed easier to breed however.



Well, I wouldn't recommend handling your millipede more than maybe once or twice a week. Unlike many predatory invertebrates (and many non-predatory inverts for that matter) they are handleable, but they really do best when left alone for the most part.
If your cat is as murderous as you make it sound I don't know if even a large African species would survive for long; if you didn't notice immediately you could end up with a lot of money down the drain. Even if the specimen was only injured, it could pose problems down the line with molting. For these reasons I'd recommend you start with a few native species/specimens to see what happens.

Technically just owning them without a PPQ526 is illegal; however, APHIS has done nothing to stop the keeping and selling of exotic species already in the US.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

Thanks so much for your advice! Yeah, you're probably right -- a native species would likely be a much smarter and safer investment. Also, my dad is a total narc and would probably get upset over me owning something that was "technically" illegal, even if authorities don't seem to really care. Again, thank you!

-Maurice :]

OH MY GOSH YES YES DO THIS DO IT

Okay so! Millipedes, they're amazing. Truly lovely, fun to watch, easy to keep, easy to handle, and come in many beautiful species. LET ME LINK YOU TO SOME INFO

Here is a great primer on the generals from Clint, the Bob Ross of exotics, get addicted to him:

If you have your heart set on the rarer or more expensive ones they may be a tad tricky to get but there are lots of species and all are similarly wonderful. Here's the millipede page at Joshs Frogs https://www.joshsfrogs.com/live-insects-feeders/millipedes-for-sale.html

And here is a keeper who really has some nice stuff, though depending where you are shipping might be prohibited (IIRC he's based in Germany but I can't remember, somewhere in Europe) https://insektenliebe.com/produkt-kategorie/millipedes/?lang=en

Wow, really enthusiastic response! Made me smile, haha

Anyways, I'm eyeing that keeper you linked -- however, I am wondering, isn't it still illegal to purchase from him, even if he is based in europe instead of where some of these species are native to? Have you purchased from him before? How did it go?

 

[Arthroverts]

If you're looking for the AGB then it's literally almost an impossible species to find as I only saw a few in-person by someone randomly selling them about 3 years ago which they were $100 per little baby millipede at a show. Wish you luck if you're going to look for them, also make sure you know they're the real deal if you do find them for sale as many people tend to sell look-alike millipedes to fool people out of there money. I would strongly recommend looking at other millipedes other than the AGB as they're desolate in the US and very rare to come by.

I wouldn’t say they are impossible. You need the right connections...

Thanks so much for your advice! Yeah, you're probably right -- a native species would likely be a much smarter and safer investment. Also, my dad is a total narc and would probably get upset over me owning something that was "technically" illegal, even if authorities don't seem to really care. Again, thank you!

-Maurice :]

No problem at all, happy to be of service.
Should you become like most of us here (i.e millipede addicts), you might consider getting a PPQ526 permit for millipedes; it is free and relatively easy to get.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[shieldshredder]

I wouldn’t say they are impossible. You need the right connections...




No problem at all, happy to be of service.
Should you become like most of us here (i.e millipede addicts), you might consider getting a PPQ526 permit for millipedes; it is free and relatively easy to get.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

Thanks! I was wondering how much one of those permits would cost. Processing takes too long for what I need now, but maybe when I'm a little older, I'll look into one for the sake of getting my hands on some of the giants...

-Maurice :]

 

[Arthroverts]

Yep, they are all completely free; likely one of the easiest permits to get so long as you have the right setup.

If you want to get involved with some of the really rare species without becoming a full time brown-boxer, permits are the way to go.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[GhostMouse]

Wow, really enthusiastic response! Made me smile, haha

Anyways, I'm eyeing that keeper you linked -- however, I am wondering, isn't it still illegal to purchase from him, even if he is based in europe instead of where some of these species are native to? Have you purchased from him before? How did it go?

He mentions on the site that he can do some transactions and not others depending on locale and legalities. So I think it would be, for that species. I am interested in other species and was on the site for supplies and not actual buggos, just wanted to look at some of the options. He really has some drool worthy specimens though. I haven't purchased yet but I'd like to when the weather warms up.

I'm boring I just want ivory millis that are not that huge and you can get them for ten bucks <edit> probably two for ten at an expo or something. THEY ARE PRETTY THO

 

[Arthroverts]

Buying from the European seller is illegal if you are in the US/Canada, and I don't believe that particular company will ship to North America without permits.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[mickiem]

It is definitely not impossible to find AGBs (African Giant Millipedes). It will require a little work on your part. The biggest issue is knowing who you are buying them from. I have had 2 sellers tell me they are selling CB species and they sold me imported pedes in very bad shape. Look for reviews. That said, if you can't find them for the price you can afford in a timely manner; consider Ivory millipedes. I feel like a broken record for them. But they are the easiest, most affordable species I can think of. They are surface active, extremely hardy, attractive, easy to breed if that matters and readily available, There are probably some in the classifiedes here. Best of luck with your noble project.

 

[noble bee]

I’ve been keeping A.gigas for the past 18 years and never knew they have become so hard to find haha. I remember buying them for $15 doors at the reptile expos and now they sale for $500 a pair. I currently keep two large colonies and have many babies. They are very hard to breed and my guys seem to breed when they are around 5 years old and about 8 inches long. My large breeding pairs are 8 to 11 in length. My largest ever was 13 inches long! She was about 15 years old when she passed away.
Just in case anyone is wondering, I’m not selling any at this moment

 

[Arthroverts]

I currently keep two large colonies and have many babies.

Just in case anyone is wondering, I’m not selling any at this moment

Tease!


Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[spasskgirl]

Might I recommend you look into some of the larger US native species, such as Narceus americanus and Orthoporus sp.? They are more readily available and much cheaper. Plus, should you acquire more than one, the former is relatively easy to breed and I believe we have just cracked the code on breeding the latter genus.

what was the code?

 

[Arthroverts]

Seasonal variation. Ever since I found out that a lot of African species required seasonal variation to breed consistently I was mulling over whether the same was true for Orthoporus as they are likewise from more arid regions with marked differences between dry and wet seasons, and then I found out that a well-known breeder had bred them doing just that. I am eager to try it for myself sometime in the near future.

Thanks,

Arthroverts