Care Guide — Millipedes

Chicobolus spinigerus

The ivory millipede — a pale, hardy species from the southeastern United States and a reliable choice for beginners.

Humidity 65–80%

Temperature 20–25°C

Adult Size Up to 10 cm

Difficulty Beginner

About Chicobolus spinigerus

C. spinigerus is a North American millipede found across Florida and the southeastern coastal states. It is immediately recognisable by its cream-to-ivory body, which makes it stand out among the darker species that dominate the hobby. Adults reach about 10 cm in length.

This is a robust, forgiving species that adapts well to captivity. Like all millipedes, they are detritivores — they eat decaying plant matter and pose no risk of biting or stinging. Their pale colouration and calm temperament make them a popular display animal and a great starter species.

Enclosure

A plastic or glass terrarium with at least 30x20 cm of floor space for a small group. C. spinigerus is social and does well kept communally. Use side ventilation to maintain humidity, and ensure the lid fits securely.

Substrate & humidity

Provide at least 10–15 cm of substrate — they moult underground and need the depth. A good mix:

Decayed hardwood (oak, beech) — the primary food source
Coco coir for moisture retention
Deciduous leaf litter on the surface
Crushed cuttlebone or limestone mixed throughout for calcium

Maintain humidity at 65–80%. The substrate should feel consistently damp but not soggy. Never use cedar, pine, or other softwood — the aromatic oils are toxic to millipedes.

Feeding

C. spinigerus feeds on decaying wood and leaf litter as its staple diet. Supplement with fresh vegetables — cucumber, courgette, and sweet potato work well. Offer fruit sparingly (banana, apple) as too much can attract mites. Calcium is essential for exoskeleton formation; keep cuttlefish bone available at all times and remove uneaten fresh food after 48 hours.

Handling & defence

Ivory millipedes are calm and handle well. Let them walk across your hands, supporting their full body. If disturbed, they curl into a tight spiral — set them down and wait. As a spirobolid millipede, C. spinigerus can release benzoquinone-based defensive secretions that may stain skin and irritate mucous membranes. Always wash your hands after handling.

Breeding

C. spinigerus breeds reasonably well in captivity given proper conditions. Females lay eggs in the substrate. Hatchlings are tiny and pale, emerging with only a few body segments — additional segments and leg pairs develop with each successive moult. Growth to maturity takes around 1–2 years. A deep, calcium-rich substrate gives hatchlings the best start.