
AI-generated image
Alienostreptus bicoloripes
A giant millipede from the central highlands of Vietnam with an almost black body and bicoloured legs, orange-brown at the base and yellow at the tips. Described in 2020, it reaches 16-18 cm.
Alienostreptus bicoloripes Pimvichai, Akkari, Semenyuk, Constant & Enghoff, 2020 is a giant millipede of the family Harpagophoridae, described in 2020 from Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces in Vietnam. Males measure 16-17 cm and females 16-18 cm. In life the body is dark brown, almost black, and the legs and antennae are bicoloured: brownish orange from the coxae to the postfemora and yellow on the tibiae and tarsi. The duplicated femoral spine separates the genus from others in its subfamily. According to the original description it lives in mixed tropical forest of broadleaf trees and tree ferns; adults were active by day and night and ranged from valley bottoms to dry ridges with coniferous forest. Juveniles stayed in soaking wet clumps of leaf litter along streams and in wet litter in rotten fallen trees, feeding on the leaves, and adults were seen eating mushrooms. A very similar but separate species with bicoloured legs occurs in Borneo, and a millipede resembling it circulates in the pet trade under names such as 'flameleg millipede'. In Japan specialist shops regularly sell it under trade names based on leg colour, and animals with different leg colours may include other species.
The Vietnam giant millipede grows to Body length 16-17 cm (males), 16-18 cm (females).
Origin
Central Vietnam (Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces)
Size
Body length 16-17 cm (males), 16-18 cm (females)
Leaf litter (leaf mould), mushrooms
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: Alienostreptus bicoloripes Pimvichai, Akkari, Semenyuk, Constant & Enghoff, 2020
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · European Journal of Taxonomy 722 (2020)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). It is a non-native millipede, so never release captive animals.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Use a container at least twice as wide as the millipede is long, with a deep layer of leaf-mould-based substrate, hardwood leaves and rotten wood. Several can be kept together.
Little data on keeping temperatures exist. Juveniles live in soaking wet leaf litter along streams, so keep part of the substrate constantly wet with a drier area as well.
The staple is leaf litter and leaf mould, and adults have been seen eating mushrooms. Add vegetables or prepared food only in small amounts.
It does not bite or sting. Handle it with clean hands and wash your hands well afterwards.
A similar species with bicoloured legs lives in Borneo, and animals sold under different leg-colour names may include other species. Secure the lid against escapes and never release captive animals.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Vietnam giant millipede typically reaches Body length 16-17 cm (males), 16-18 cm (females) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Vietnam giant millipede feeds on: Leaf litter (leaf mould), mushrooms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Vietnam giant millipede varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026