Worried about Millipede

[Rav]

I'm a bit worried about my millipede. When I came home tonight it seemed she was sprawled out, and was partially lying on her side, but not grooming or curled up, and not moving much. I touched it a little and she partially curled up for a short time but is still very slow.

I know that when they sit on their side it can be a bad sign. It does appear all legs are moving and none have fallen off, and there is no visible injury. Of concern however is that she has been losing color over the last few months. She is a lot less black and more tan in between segments.

I've tried to fortify her diet with collard, kale and hermit crab pellets, but she hasn't show much interest. I've had oak leaves but they have decayed over the winter even with my extra supply, so I am waiting for new leaves to grow. Cucumber and mushroom have been eaten actively.

I'm going to keep an eye on her, does anyone have any advice? She must be quite old now, as I have owned her for a few years now, and she was fully grown when I got her.

Thanks.

CJ

 

[Rav]

This morning she had moved to another spot and was somewhat curled up. When I was misting/wetting the enclosure a drop of water landed on her and she quickly curled up tightly. Was sitting by some mushroom/lettuce so I think she was eating. Hopefully this means she is doing OK.

If anyone has advice as to the lightening color that would be great. Like I said I've been trying to reinforce the diet with more nutrients, as well as hermit crab pellets and cuttlefish bone.

Thanks.

 

[RoachGirlRen]

The exoskeleton sometimes looks different immediately before the animal molts, and sluggish behavior often accompanies such times. However, millipedes will burrow and molt underground, and you are correct that splaying on the side at the surface is generally not a good indication.

You also mention lightening specifically between the segments; do they look further apart, bulging etc? I ask because this can be the start of weakening of connective tissues holding those segments together, which often does result in the animal's loss of function and death. I'm not sure the cause has been nailed down yet (may be age-related or husbandry related), and while improving nutrition is a good step to take in any health condition, I don't believe it can rectify that particular problem (though if it IS nutrition related, as some suspect, perhaps it could slow or halt progression).

I don't know how much there is to suggest aside from offering a varied diet, getting your hands on some oak & hardwood mulch if possible (live near any parks? you might be able to find fallen leaves still), keeping your temp and humidity ideal, and hoping for the best. Make sure everything you feed is very thoroughly rinsed for pesticides as well. It could just be that your 'pede is just plain old; we don't know the age of WC animals and a large specimen could be at the beginning or end of its adult life.

Good luck and keep us posted on the 'pede. If you have any other info that might help - your temp, humidity, substrate, etc. - let us know. Elytra and Antenna may have some further info; s/he is very proficient in pedes.

 

[Rav]

Thanks for the reply, Ren.

The segments do not actually appear to be spread apart, although at first glance you might think so. It seems more that the darkness of the exoskeleton at each segment is receding from where they join together. The segments used to be solid black right to where they connected, but now its more like it fades from black to tan where one slides under the next, but the fitment seems normal. Compared to old pictures I have the size and distance of the segments appears to be the same, although she seems slightly fatter.

I've seen pictures of millipedes that have the disconnected segments, and its a pretty big gap, but also occurs at random segments along the body. On mine, the lighter appearance its evenly spread out and there is no unusual gaps between the segment plates.

She is definitely more active today, and doesn't seem as lethargic and disoriented as last night. All legs and segments seem to be actively moving so thats a good sign.

It is also worth mentioning that she has not burrowed in the ground for several months now. She usually just sleeps in her half log, and occasionally under a pile of leaves. She used to dig out elaborate tunnels and dens. I tried to pre-dig some holes for her to explore but she stays above ground. I think I will replace the substrate (cocofiber) in the near future as well, besides keeping a close eye on diet.

I also wonder if the population of pill bugs in her tank might be affecting her. They are great for eating mite eggs (way less on her now!), cleaning up poop and bits of food left over, but they sometimes poop all over the food I leave, if they find it first. I think I may reduce their population a bit.

Thanks again
CJ