Giant African Millipede (P Gigas)

 

Giant African Millipedes (often referred to as P. gigas in the hobby) thrive in a warm, humid enclosure that recreates a deep, shaded forest floor. Use a spacious, escape-proof tank or tub with a substrate depth of at least 4–6 inches made from coconut fiber, organic topsoil (chemical-free), rotted hardwood, and heavy leaf litter so they can burrow fully and graze on decomposing material. Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged, and add cork bark, bark tunnels, and thick leaf litter on top to provide cover and security. Good cross-ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant air and mold while still allowing the substrate to retain moisture.

Aim for temperatures around 74–80°F (23–27°C) and humidity levels in the 75–90% range. Giant African Millipedes are detritivores that feed primarily on rotting leaves, decaying wood, and bioactive substrate, but you should supplement with slices of vegetables such as cucumber, squash, carrot, and sweet potato, plus occasional fruit in small amounts. Always provide a calcium source like cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile-safe calcium powder to support strong exoskeletons and successful molts. Handle them gently and infrequently, allowing them to crawl onto your hands instead of being grabbed; wash your hands before and after handling, as they can secrete mild defensive chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin.

Key care points

• Enclosure: Secure, escape-proof glass tank or plastic tub with good ventilation.

• Size: Provide generous floor space; these are large, active millipedes.

• Substrate depth: At least 4–6 inches of moist, organic mix (coco fiber, organic soil, rotted wood, leaf litter).

• Moisture level: Substrate should stay consistently damp, not soggy; mist as needed.

• Temperature range: Target 74–80°F (23–27°C); avoid chills and rapid temperature swings.

• Humidity: Maintain roughly 75–90% through deep moist substrate and leaf litter.

• Hides and decor: Offer cork bark, bark tubes, and thick leaf litter for hiding and burrowing.

• Diet (staple): Decomposing leaves, rotting wood, and bioactive substrate.

• Diet (fresh foods): Cucumber, squash, carrot, sweet potato, and occasional fruit; remove leftovers before they mold.

• Calcium source: Cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile-safe calcium powder always available.

• Cleaning: Spot-clean old food or mold; refresh sections of substrate periodically rather than all at once.

• Handling: Minimal, gentle handling; let them crawl onto your hands and wash hands before and after contact.

• Safety: Avoid perfumes, lotions, or chemicals on your skin when handling to protect both you and the millipede.

I can sex the millipedes as well

(Please Read Shipping Policy)