Pigeon
Arachnosquire
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2021
- Messages
- 56
Adopted this 'male' adult Giant African Millipede from a girl who could no longer cater for his needs. Upon seeing the photo I wasn't 100% agreed that 'he' was male. Upon picking him up I've realised I've taken on a bit of a project critter. He's nevere been handled, let alone seen light - he's incredibly skittish and any form of movement or vibration by his tank causes him to curl and release that toxic, foul smelling chemical that they so kindly enjoy dumping, normally on your white shirts! He's got horrible foot rot, though given the lack of ventilation in the tub he was being kept in, i'm not surprised. WAY too wet and just filled with fungus and other parasites from untreated wild wood.
Luckily this 'boy' is in good hands now so will soon be back to a full bill of health
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I am not convinced this is a male millipede. Obviously males have the sex organs on the 7th segment, resulting in a segment with no legs and thus a visible gap. On previous males (Rainbow Millipedes) this was very prominent and easy to view, so I figured.... bigger millipede should be even easier right? In theory yes, difficult when 'he' curls so quickly and easily.
I've managed to get him to uncurl and climb up my hand/arm so i could take some quick photos before leaving him to his own business again. There is DEFINITELY no gap, but I would love to get a second opinion as I haven't sex'd this species before?
Also while people are here and looking at this post... best ways to help him recover from foot rot? currently keeping him in a slightly drier environment to allow him to heal as he is, presume if he survives to next shed, they'll regenerate fully? My others have had it before, but i normally just leave them to get on if it's one or two legs. This guy has A LOT.
Luckily this 'boy' is in good hands now so will soon be back to a full bill of health
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I am not convinced this is a male millipede. Obviously males have the sex organs on the 7th segment, resulting in a segment with no legs and thus a visible gap. On previous males (Rainbow Millipedes) this was very prominent and easy to view, so I figured.... bigger millipede should be even easier right? In theory yes, difficult when 'he' curls so quickly and easily.
I've managed to get him to uncurl and climb up my hand/arm so i could take some quick photos before leaving him to his own business again. There is DEFINITELY no gap, but I would love to get a second opinion as I haven't sex'd this species before?
Also while people are here and looking at this post... best ways to help him recover from foot rot? currently keeping him in a slightly drier environment to allow him to heal as he is, presume if he survives to next shed, they'll regenerate fully? My others have had it before, but i normally just leave them to get on if it's one or two legs. This guy has A LOT.
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