West African Red-legged Millipede
The Pelmatojulus millipede, known in English as the West African Red-legged Millipede, is a mid-sized species native to secondary forests in West Africa. Each body segment shows a striking contrast between a yellow-to-orange front half and a dark brown to near-black rear half, all wrapped in a glossy sheen and accented by red antennae and reddish-brown legs. Calm and slow-moving by nature, it curls into a tight coil when it feels threatened. Feeding mainly on fallen leaves and white-rotted wood, it settles in well once humidity is kept high, making it an intriguing choice for anyone who enjoys quietly observing a different kind of creature.
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Apply as a breederWest African Red-legged Millipede key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Size
- Up to 14cm (about 15mm wide)
- Temperature
- 25〜28℃
- Humidity
- About 90%
- Diet
- Leaf litter and white rotten wood as the staple; flowers, vegetables and protein are rarely accepted
- Temperature & Humidity
- 25-28 C with humidity held around 90%. Dry substrate causes moulting problems, so keep it damp down to the bottom layer.
- Enclosure
- At least 30 x 40cm of floor space, 10cm or more of substrate topped with leaves. They readily use bark or coconut-shell hides. Climbing structures are unnecessary.
- Diet & Feeding
- Leaf litter and white rotten wood are the staple and must always be available. Flowers, vegetables and protein are taken only occasionally.
- Temperament & Venom
- Placid and non-biting. It secretes defensive fluid from the lateral glands when disturbed, so wash your hands after handling.
- Notes
- Roughly two years to sexual maturity. Securing enough leaf litter and rotten wood takes effort, so some experience helps.
About West African Red-legged Millipede
A mid-sized millipede from West African secondary forest, with a glossy yellow-orange and dark brown body and striking red antennae. It feeds on leaf litter and rotted wood, and suits keepers with some experience maintaining high humidity.
7 things to know before welcoming a West African Red-legged Millipede
1Keep humidity high
Keep the substrate moist all the way down at all times. If it dries out, molting problems become likely, so regular misting and moisture checks are important. Balance this with adequate ventilation in the enclosure.
2Diet of leaves and rotted wood
Fallen leaves and wood that has undergone white rot are its staple foods. It eats few flowers, vegetables or animal foods, so keeping these natural foods on hand matches its feeding habits. Try not to let its food supply run out.
3Calm, docile temperament
It shows almost no aggression and, when startled, curls its body into a spiral for defense. Its slow movements make it well suited to a quiet, observation-focused keeping style.
4Wash hands after handling
When disturbed, it may release a defensive secretion, so always wash your hands before touching your eyes or mouth after contact. If the secretion touches your skin directly, rinse it off promptly.
5Leave it alone while molting
Millipedes molt repeatedly as they grow. Around molting time they burrow into the substrate and become less active, so avoid digging around or disturbing them during this period.
6Best for experienced keepers
Because it is sensitive to extreme heat and dryness and requires ongoing humidity management, it is considered suitable for keepers with some experience. Once the basic environment is set up, day-to-day care is not difficult.
7Grows up to 14cm
Adults reach up to about 14cm in length and roughly 15mm in body width. Since animals are often sold as juveniles, plan to adjust enclosure size gradually as they grow.
Frequently asked questions about West African Red-legged Millipede
- Q.Is it aggressive or does it bite?
- A.It has a calm temperament and rarely tries to bite. Its main defense when disturbed is curling into a spiral. Since it may release a defensive secretion, wash your hands after handling before touching your eyes or mouth.
- Q.Can beginners keep this species?
- A.It's considered suitable for keepers with some experience. Because ongoing high-humidity management is required, having some basic keeping experience helps things go smoothly.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adults reach up to about 14cm in length and roughly 15mm in body width. Animals are often sold as juveniles and take time to reach full size.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.It mainly eats fallen leaves and wood that has undergone white rot. Providing food close to its natural diet makes for easier, more appropriate care.
- Q.Is this species subject to any regulations?
- A.This species is not subject to CITES.
Learn more about West African Red-legged Millipede in the encyclopedia
View West African Red-legged Millipede encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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