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Archispirostreptus gigas
One of the world's largest millipedes, reaching 30cm+. Slow-moving with many legs. Non-venomous and docile — popular as a handleable exotic. Detritivore eating decaying matter.
The giant African millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is one of the worlds largest millipedes, found in East Africa and nearby regions, sometimes exceeding 30 cm. It moves slowly with rippling waves of its many legs, and being non-venomous and gentle, it is a popular invertebrate that can be handled. Husbandry uses substrate deep enough for burrowing with moderate humidity. As a detritivore it eats humus, dead leaves, and vegetables, and a calcium source is beneficial. Calm and easy to observe, it can be bred at a relaxed pace. It is a gentle myriapod suitable for beginners.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The African Giant Millipede lives 5-10 years.
The African Giant Millipede grows to 20-35cm.
The ideal temperature for the African Giant Millipede is 22〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 60〜80%.
Origin
East Africa
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
20-35cm
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Archispirostreptus gigas (Peters, 1855)
Synonyms: Aethiopistreptus attemsii Verhoeff, 1938, Epistreptus procerus (Attems, 1935), Graphidostreptus gigas (Peters, 1855), Graphidostreptus msalaensis (Kraus, 1958), Spirostreptus gigas Peters, 1855, Spirostreptus msalaensis Kraus, 1958, Spirostreptus opistheurys Attems, 1896, Spirostreptus plumaceus Voges, 1878, Spirostreptus procerus Attems, 1935, Spirostreptus procerus Gerstäcker, 1873, Spirostreptus semicylindricus Voges, 1878
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Archispirostreptus gigas (millipedes). Not listed on CITES.
Sources: CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Temperature
22〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Leaf litter, vegetables, fruits
Large plastic case. 10cm+ layer of leaf litter
Maintain 60-80%. Manage with misting
Keep cuttlebone or eggshell available. Needed for exoskeleton
Releases secretion when threatened. Irritating if in eyes
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for African Giant Millipede is 22〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of African Giant Millipede is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
African Giant Millipede typically reaches 20-35cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
African Giant Millipede feeds on: Leaf litter, vegetables, fruits. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of African Giant Millipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026