Giant African Millipede – Archispirostreptus gigas

Description

Species Overview

Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) are calm, fascinating millipede species known for their gentle nature and easy care.

Great for:

• Beginners

• Classrooms and education

• Family pets

• Hands-on observation

✨ What Makes This Species Special

• Very handleable / gentle when disturbed

• Slow-moving and beginner-friendly

• Huge! This species is commonly over 8″ full grown with some individuals getting up to 12″!

• Easy to care for and low-odor

🌿 Care Requirements 

Enclosure:

They can be kept in totes or terrariums. Because of their large size you want something that is at least 24″x18″x18″.

Humidity:

• 70 to 80% ambient humidity

• Keep one side lightly moist; one side drier

Temperature:

• 72–80°F

• Thrives at room temperature

Substrate:

In many ways the substrate is the most important part of keeping all species of millipedes. While giant African millipedes are pretty easy compared to some species of millipede it is important to offer lots of nutrition in their substrate. You want the substrate to be thick. The general guideline is for it to be at least as deep as the millipede is long so for most giant African millipede adults you want a minimum of 8″ of substrate. Use:

• Organic top soil
• Lots of decaying leaf litter
• Wood rot

Mix in things like spaghnum moss and calcium such as egg shell. We also add in hemp bedding because it decays faster.

Avoid – You want to avoid coco fiber at all cost because there are reports of millipedes becoming impacted from eating it (the millipedes will eat their substrate) and dying. You should also avoid things like sand and aromatic woods such as pine or cedar.

Diet:

The diet of the millipedes should primarily be their substrate and a topping of leaves and wood rot.

• Veggies and the occasional fruit (fruit is more likely to draw in pests).

• Protein sources such as high quality dog food, fish food, or isopod food.

• Calcium such as egg shell or cuttlebone

It should be noted that these things should be fed sparingly and the millipedes don’t need a lot of calcium as their exoskeletons are more protein than calcium.

Lifespan:

Giant African millipedes can live 10 to 12 years in captivity. However, if you are buying adult specimens (especially wild caught) they are likely at least 5 to 8 years old.

📦 Shipping Info

We ship Tuesdays with insulated packaging as needed.
Millipedes are packed carefully with substrate for comfort and stability during shipment.

💛 Why Buy From Danelle’s Critters

• Packed with plenty of food & substrate

• Clear communication & great customer service

• We are educators