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Ophistreptus guineensis
A large millipede of the West African savannah, glossy deep chocolate to reddish tan, reaching around 25cm. It spends real time above ground and is placid and forgiving for its size.
Ophistreptus guineensis, described by Silvestri in 1897, is a large spirostreptid millipede of the West African savannah, with GBIF records from Ghana and Benin. Adults reach 25-26cm, glossy deep chocolate through to reddish tan depending on the individual and how recently it moulted. Coming from savannah with distinct wet and dry seasons rather than constant rainforest, it is noticeably more drought-tolerant than most tropical millipedes and forgives an enclosure that dries out for a few days. The substrate is the food rather than the bedding: at least 15cm for adults and more if possible, worked through with a generous quantity of white-rotted hardwood and covered with leaf litter that is topped up as it goes. Calcium is not negotiable for an animal rebuilding 25cm of exoskeleton at every moult, and a shortfall is the usual cause of failed moults. It is placid and neither bites nor stings, but under real stress it releases a defensive fluid that stains and irritates skin and causes a chemical burn in an eye, so wash hands after handling. It lives seven to ten years.
Source: millibase.org
The Nigerian Giant Millipede lives 7-10 years.
The Nigerian Giant Millipede grows to 25-26cm.
The ideal temperature for the Nigerian Giant Millipede is 22〜26℃. Ideal humidity is 70〜75%.
Keep it at 22-26C, which it tolerates up towards thirty without complaint, at around 70-75% humidity by day rising to 90-100% at night.
Sources: PostPods African Giant Chocolate Millipede (size, lifespan, temperature, substrate) / Insektenliebe Ophistreptus guineensis (size, lifespan, humidity) / MilliBase / GBIF
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.
Accepted name: Ophistreptus guineensis (Silvestri, 1897)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Origin
West Africa (savannah of Ghana, Nigeria and Benin)
Lifespan
7-10 years
Size
25-26cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Humidity
70〜75%
Rotting hardwood and decayed leaf litter as the bulk of the diet, with soft fruit and vegetables in moderation, occasional protein, and permanent calcium such as cuttlebone
22-26C, assuming supplementary heat in winter. Hold 70-75% humidity by day and higher at night, and keep the substrate damp all the way through, not just on top.
At least 15cm of substrate for adults, worked through with white-rotted hardwood and covered with hardwood leaf litter. Favour floor space, add sturdy cork bark and branches, and use a secure lid.
Rotting hardwood and decayed leaf litter are the staple and should always be available. Soft fruit and vegetables in moderation, with cuttlebone or crushed shell in permanently.
Placid, and it neither bites nor stings. It coils when startled and can release a defensive fluid that stains and irritates skin and burns an eye.
Wash hands with soap after handling and keep them away from your face. Most failed moults trace to a calcium shortfall. At seven to ten years this is a long commitment. In Europe it is sold as the African Giant Chocolate Millipede. The Ghana chocolate millipede (Mardonius parilis) trades under a similar chocolate name but belongs to a different genus, so check the scientific name.
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 Nigerian Giant Millipede is 22〜26℃. Recommended humidity is 70〜75%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Nigerian Giant Millipede is 7-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Nigerian Giant Millipede typically reaches 25-26cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Nigerian Giant Millipede feeds on: Rotting hardwood and decayed leaf litter as the bulk of the diet, with soft fruit and vegetables in moderation, occasional protein, and permanent calcium such as cuttlebone. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Nigerian Giant Millipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026