Narceus gordanus
The smoky ghost millipede — a subtle, grey-banded North American species that thrives at slightly cooler temperatures than its tropical cousins.
About Narceus gordanus
N. gordanus is a North American millipede found across the southeastern United States. Adults reach around 10 cm and display a distinctive grey-brown body with darker banding between segments. Like all millipedes, they are detritivores — they eat decaying plant matter, not live prey, and have no venom or bite.
This species is frequently confused with Narceus americanus. The two overlap in range and look similar, though N. gordanus tends to be paler with more pronounced banding. Both are excellent beginner species. N. gordanus tolerates slightly cooler temperatures than many commonly kept African species, making it well suited to rooms without supplemental heating.
Enclosure
A plastic or glass terrarium with at least 30x20 cm of floor space is suitable for a small group. They are social and do well housed together. Side ventilation rather than a fully mesh lid helps maintain humidity. A secure lid is a must — they will explore every gap.
Substrate & humidity
Provide a deep substrate of at least 10–15 cm. Millipedes moult underground, and insufficient depth can lead to failed moults. A good mix is:
- Decayed hardwood and bark (oak, beech, ash) — the primary food source
- Coco coir for moisture retention
- Deciduous leaf litter on the surface
- Calcium sources mixed throughout — crushed cuttlebone, limestone, or eggshell
Keep the substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged. Never use cedar, pine, or other softwood — the aromatic oils are toxic to millipedes.
Feeding
N. gordanus feeds primarily on decaying wood and leaf litter. Supplement with cucumber, courgette, sweet potato, and the occasional slice of banana. Always keep cuttlefish bone available — calcium is critical for exoskeleton formation, especially around moults. Remove uneaten fresh food after 48 hours.
Handling & defence
This species is calm and tolerates handling well. Support their full body length and let them walk between your hands. As a member of Spirobolida, N. gordanus can secrete benzoquinone-based compounds from defensive glands along the body. These can stain skin brown and irritate mucous membranes — always wash hands after handling.
Breeding
Females deposit eggs in small chambers within the substrate. Hatchlings are tiny with only a few body segments and leg pairs — the leg count increases with each successive moult as new segments are added. Growth to maturity takes 1–2 years. Keep the substrate deep and calcium-rich to support developing young.