Madagascar Fire Millipede

Madagascar Fire Millipede key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-7 years

Temperature

22〜26℃

Humidity

80〜90%

Diet

Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables such as cucumber and sweet potato, calcium supplements

Temperature & Humidity

Follows published practice for the congeneric Madagascan A. polleni: 22-26 C and 80-90% humidity. Keep humidity high while maintaining ventilation.

Enclosure

A deep bed of leaf humus, decaying wood and leaves so they can burrow, with cork bark and moss for cover.

Diet & Feeding

Leaves and decaying wood in the substrate are the staple, supplemented with vegetables such as cucumber and sweet potato plus a calcium source.

Temperament & Venom

Placid and non-biting. It secretes defensive fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, so wash your hands afterwards and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Notes

Juveniles grow slowly. Several congeners trade under similar names, so check the scientific name when buying. The congener Aphistogoniulus polleni, traded as Spirostreptidae sp. 6, is the one most often confused with it.

About Madagascar Fire Millipede

A large millipede native to eastern Madagascar's rainforests, known for its dark body and vivid red legs. Nocturnal and best suited to keepers with some experience, it thrives in deep, humid, humus-rich substrate.

7 things to know before welcoming a Madagascar Fire Millipede

1. 1High Humidity, Deep Substrate

   As a species native to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, it isn't adapted to dry conditions. Provide a deep layer of coconut fiber or leaf mold substrate and keep it consistently moist. Substrate that dries out can quickly affect the animal's health.

2. 2Nocturnal, Buries by Day

   During the day it stays hidden, burrowed deep in the substrate. If you want to watch it move around, check in the evening or under dim lighting instead.

3. 3Calm and Easy-Going Temperament

   This species is calm and rarely aggressive, typically just curling up when startled. It may release a defensive secretion if disturbed, so wash your hands after handling.

4. 4Leave It Alone During Molting

   Before and after molting, it may stay buried and motionless for an extended period. Avoid digging it up or disturbing it during this time, as the stress can be harmful.

5. 5Diet of Leaf Litter and Detritus

   This millipede feeds on decomposing leaf litter, rotten wood, and organic matter in the substrate. Rather than relying only on packaged insect jelly, providing natural substrate and decaying wood helps keep it stable long term.

6. 6Keep Solo or in Small Numbers

   Overcrowding can lead to stress and mold growth in the enclosure. Make sure the container size and ventilation match the number of animals you keep.

7. 7Prepare Substrate Before Arrival

   Set up a deep, humidity-retentive substrate before the millipede arrives. Having the enclosure ready in advance reduces stress from the transition.

Frequently asked questions about Madagascar Fire Millipede

Q.Is it safe to handle with bare hands?

A.It's not aggressive and rarely bites, but it may release a defensive secretion if it feels threatened. Wash your hands after contact and avoid touching your eyes or mouth.

Q.How much humidity does it need?

A.Since it comes from a rainforest habitat, it prefers high humidity. Mist the substrate regularly so it never fully dries out.

Q.Can it be kept together with other individuals?

A.It's generally best kept alone or in small numbers. Overcrowding can cause stress and hygiene problems in the enclosure.

Q.Why doesn't it come out during the day?

A.It's nocturnal, so it stays buried in the substrate resting during the day. You can usually see it active in the evening or under dim light.

Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?

A.The Madagascar Fire Millipede is not listed under CITES.

Learn more about Madagascar Fire Millipede in the encyclopedia

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