What Do Giant Fire Millipedes Look Like?
Giant Fire Millipedes are a distinctive species of millipedes that can grow to be more than six inches long.
Despite their long length, they are quite thin, with a cylindrical body that has many segments.
Their color ranges from light to dark brown, which is sometimes briefly punctuated with bright orange or red stripes.
They have two long antennae, and their many legs typically carry the same color hue as the bright stripes along their backside.
Benefits Of Using Giant Fire Millipede
Pelmatojulus excisus can make unique and interesting additions to many types of vivariums.
Not only are they low maintenance, but they also help to keep the tank environment clean and healthy.
They love to munch on decomposing material, helping to reduce food waste and keep the enclosure free from detritus.
Furthermore, they can help regulate the humidity levels in the tank, and their bright colors can add a beautiful, living touch to your mini-ecosystem.
Giant Fire Millipede Facts
Giant Fire Millipedes have a shiny red-orange exoskeleton and can live for up to 10 years if provided the proper care.
Their natural diet consists of decaying plant matter and small insects, and they are known for their calm demeanor.
Breeding is possible for this species and can be achieved with the right temperature and humidity conditions.
Habitat
Pelmatojulus excisus are arthropod species native to Central and West Africa.
They inhabit tropical rainforest locations, where they hide under trees, logs, and leaf litter to stay safe from predators.
During the day they prefer dark, humid places, while at night they are known to come out in search of food.
Replicate their natural habitat perfectly with our Bioactive Millipede Substrate Blend, designed to provide the ideal moisture and organic content for your millipedes.
Diet
In their natural environment, Giant Fire Millipede feed on decaying plant and wood material, such as leaf litter, tree bark, and wood fragments.
Pelmatojulus excusus are scavengers, so they will eat almost any type of food that is available to them.
Temperament
Giant Fire Millipede can make great pets, but they do need special care to keep them healthy and happy.
These creatures are relatively docile around humans and other animals and can be quite shy when first handled.
It is important to be gentle when interacting with them.
In general, Pelmatojulus excusus can be somewhat timid and may curl up tightly or move away if startled.
They are happiest when kept alone or in small groups, and may become aggressive with other millipedes if overcrowded.
During the day, they may remain motionless as they hide in their burrows or hideaways.
Lifespan
Pelmatojulus excisus generally lives between five to six years, but in some cases may live as long as seven to ten.
A fascinating species of arthropod, they go through several life stages to reach maturity.
First, they start as eggs, usually laid in damp environments with plenty of food.
These eggs hatch into tiny millipedes, which may take up to several months to transform into adults.
Once an adult, these millipedes can reach lengths of up to six inches and acquire bright orange and red coloration.
Breeding
Mating and reproducing are closely linked for the Giant Fire Millipede, as the males need to fertilize the female’s eggs to create a new generation.
The males can often be identified by their longer antennae and larger size, while the females are usually identified by the number of oviducts that are present on their sides.
The female will typically lay her eggs in damp soil or mulch, or even in the substrate of the pet enclosure.
Once they’re laid and fertilized, the eggs will remain in the soil for a few weeks and will eventually hatch.
Proper maintenance of the enclosure and providing the millipedes with the right substrate, diet, and temperature can all help to ensure successful breeding.
Where To Find Giant Fire Millipede
If you are looking for Pelmatojulus excisus in the wild, they are typically found in North Africa and the Middle East.
Generally, they inhabit dry, warm climates and live in areas with plenty of hiding places, such as fallen logs and rocks.
When foraging for food, they prefer to be by or near rotting wood and dead trees.
Giant Fire Millipedes can also be purchased from pet stores or specialized arthropod suppliers.
Do your research to make sure that any supplier you use is reputable and with a good history of providing healthy stock.
When selecting a giant fire millipede, make sure the specimen is active, has a clean body, and is not displaying any signs of illness.