✦ wild caught · Portland, Oregon      ✦ currently keeping: 2 juveniles (Tylobolus uncigerus)      ✦ the only Spirobolida west of the Cascades      ✦ life history nearly undocumented in captivity      ✦ 60–68°F · 70–80% RH     
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Green Fairytale Millipede

Spirostreptus sp. 8  ·  Spirostreptida  ·  East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania)

Intermediate Tropical Spirostreptida Wishlist

A vivid green millipede from the East African highlands, prized for its iridescent segments. Captive care requirements are not fully documented but are presumed similar to other large Spirostreptid species — warm temperatures, high humidity, deep rotting hardwood substrate.

⬡ research in progress — not yet kept ⬡
Adult size Up to ~20 cm
Temperature 72–80 °F
Humidity 70–80% RH
Origin East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania)

Research notes

Substrate

Substrate

Deep mix of rotten hardwood and leaf litter. Coconut fiber as a base is widely used. Avoid pine and cedar.

Temperature

Temperature

72–80 °F preferred. Avoid temperature swings. No supplemental heating typically needed in a warm home.

Humidity

Humidity

70–80% RH. Mist one side of the enclosure; allow the other to dry slightly for a moisture gradient.

Diet

Diet

Leaf litter, rotting hardwood, occasional cucumber, carrot, or squash. Calcium supplementation important.

Enclosure

Enclosure

Tall enclosure with climbing opportunities. This species may be more arboreal than Tylobolid species.

Defense

Defense

Benzoquinone secretions. Wash hands after handling. Avoid touching face.

⬡ provisional note

This guide is based on general research and extrapolation from related species — I don't own this animal yet. Once I do, this page will be updated with direct observations. If you keep this species and want to share notes, feel free to reach out.