millipede underground for weeks?

[isopodluvr]

So my orthoporus ornatus went underground a few weeks ago- I assumed she was shedding or going about her normal millipede business. However, it has been about three weeks and I have not seen her emerge. During the time she was under, I was able to use a flashlight to see where she was curled at the bottom of the plastic tank. Now I cant see her there anymore, so I assume shes moved or is sleeping somewhere different - anyways - my tank is starting to grow a tiny bit of mold, just the slightest bit (I scraped it off the surface where I saw it) and this makes me want to replace her substrate. however, since I dont know where she is and I dont know if shes shedding, or what, I'm afraid of harming her. any advice? also, has anyone else seen similar behavior in their millipedes? (it may help to add that she is a juvenile, about three inches the last time I saw her)

 

[BugLord]

If the tank doesn't smell of death (and just of soil) leave her be and let her surface on her own accord. It is completely normal for millipedes to stay under the substrate for extended periods of time.

Hope that helps,
Dagan Hunt

 

[Aquarimax]

Most millipedes will do that on occasion. It is often for a molt, but may not be. At any rate, I agree with @DaganH ...it is better to leave the millipede alone and see when it appears again on its own.

 

[ReignofInvertebrates]

I don’t keep this species but a lot of the other species that I’ve kept spend a vast majority of their time buried in the substrate.

 

[davehuth]

I've had O. ornatus disappear from the surface for 3+ months at a time. When they reappear they seem fine and dandy!