My millipedes

[mickiem]

I used to stress about grain mites. But I have learned they are quite rare. I rarely see commensal mites anymore. I got some El Gordos (N. gordanus) that had some. It was pretty cute; pets with pets. They are pretty big and run all over the millipede. They pose NO threat. It is my understanding that the mites have to be removed at during quarantine from imported animals, so I doubt we would see any imported species with commensal (good) mites. The bad ones though (grain mites), concentrate on delicate areas like the head, legs and spiracles. I just learned to not worry. If you keep the enclosure relatively clean, you won't likely have a problem.

 

[Villegas23]

By clean, do you mean like not letting food rot? Because I feel like my enclosure is pretty clean and I have isopods in therefor a clean up crew. But on an occasion I can see a tiny little white things run across a leaf but tit didn't seem to even be near a host.

 

[LawnShrimp]

By clean, do you mean like not letting food rot? Because I feel like my enclosure is pretty clean and I have isopods in therefor a clean up crew. But on an occasion I can see a tiny little white things run across a leaf but tit didn't seem to even be near a host.

The white things could be springtails, harmless clean-up insects, or they could be mites of a different kind.

It is my understanding that the mites have to be removed at during quarantine from imported animals, so I doubt we would see any imported species with commensal (good) mites.

Aren't all millipede imports to the U.S. illegal?

 

[Villegas23]

Just recently they have banned exports of millipedes. But good news I have received 2 more millipedes!

 

[mickiem]

By clean, do you mean like not letting food rot? Because I feel like my enclosure is pretty clean and I have isopods in therefor a clean up crew. But on an occasion I can see a tiny little white things run across a leaf but tit didn't seem to even be near a host.

If the little things are springtails, they pose no harm. Springtails are insects and have 6 legs while mites are arachnids with 8 legs. Springtails also jump. I know they are tiny; but sometimes you can squash one and then count it's legs.

Clean, yes, take the fresh food out after a day.

 

[mickiem]

The white things could be springtails, harmless clean-up insects, or they could be mites of a different kind.
Aren't all millipede imports to the U.S. illegal?

I believe the ban was in 2005. They are still imported, but the people doing the importing have paid for permits and gone through some serious red tape to be able to do so. I think it is educational entities such as zoos, universities and the like. I managed an import facility in the 90's and I remember the red tape was extensive. I can't imagine anyone going through all that plus the new regulations. I know a few people that have tried and given up (many $$$ later)

 

[LawnShrimp]

I managed an import facility in the 90's and I remember the red tape was extensive.

Ah, you have experience with shipping stuff...

Just recently they have banned exports of millipedes. But good news I have received 2 more millipedes!

Nice floydi! And bumblebees are excellent millipedes as well.

 

[Villegas23]

Ah, you have experience with shipping stuff...

Nice floydi! And bumblebees are excellent millipedes as well.

Thank you! I think I have my set up better now, I added the moist dirt that came with the set up and threw it in there also wetting my current, and they all started coming out and eating old pieces of moss and wood! The Floyd is this beautiful gray color and that was one the most curious wondering around for hours and even trying to escape lol

 

[mickiem]

Ah, you have experience with shipping stuff...

Nice floydi! And bumblebees are excellent millipedes as well.

We only imported; never exported. The owner of the facility was a veterinarian and when I picked things up from the airport I took them straight to his office where we unpacked and did health checks.

So I have unpacking experience but not a lot of shipping experience.