{"id":3059,"date":"2021-01-08T18:32:56","date_gmt":"2021-01-08T18:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/?p=3059"},"modified":"2021-09-04T17:13:47","modified_gmt":"2021-09-04T17:13:47","slug":"ivory-millipede-a-practical-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/ivory-millipede-a-practical-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Ivory Millipede: A Practical Care Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do you want to keep ivory millipedes? Or do you have them already? Ivory millipedes (Chicobolus spinigerus<\/em>) are among the easiest giant millipede species to keep and are a great choice when you are a beginner. These beautiful looking millipede species are hardy and don’t have high requirements. Nonetheless, they still need good care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have some basic needs you need to fulfil to make them thrive. In this care guide, we will discuss all you need to know to get you started keeping ivory millipedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory millipedes are easy millipedes to care for and are great for beginners. Although they don’t have high requirements, you still need to provide proper housing, create an optimal environment and feed them nutritious food. This care guide provides all the needed knowledge to give them the best care possible. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is much to learn about millipede care. We will discuss housing, environmental needs, best feeding practice and how you can breed with these amazing millipede species. But first, we will have a closer look at ivory millipedes to discover more about them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this series of\u00a0Backyard Bugs<\/a>, we explore wild bugs and how you can provide a better living for them with simple things. The world population of insects and related bugs is rapidly declining. Their important role in the sustainability of life and the future of our planet is often underestimated. This series is to stimulate more and more people to be aware, to act and provide a better environment for these important creatures.<\/em>\u00a0We partner with companies that offer products that we think are great for you to use, and that can help you achieve your goals. If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! Please read our\u00a0disclaimer<\/a>\u00a0for more info.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the ivory millipede<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
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<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>
Ivory millipede \/
Florida ivory millipede \/
Florida millipede \/
Black-and-white millipede<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Chicobolus spinigerus<\/em><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Up to 10 years (some even more)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Up to 10cm (4″)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
North-America (Northern Florida through South Carolina)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ivory millipedes have a coffee-creamed colour with dark brown (almost black) bands on each segment. The legs are pinkish to dark brown. There is quite some colour variation within this species. Some are much darker than others. On each body segment, there are two pair of feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, they grow up to 7.5cm (3″), but there are some individuals that reach up to 10cm (4″). These are mostly females, and males are typically slightly smaller between 4cm and 8.5cm (1.6″-3.3″). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, instars are translucent white coloured and, when just hatched, barely 1cm (0.4″) in length. The older they get, the more colour and contrast they get. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purple Ivory Millipede Morph<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The purple ivory millipede is a colour morph of the more known Florida ivory millipede. They belong to the same species (Chicobolus spinigerus<\/em>), and they need the same care as described in this care guide. They have beautiful purple coloured bands on each segment. However, the purple colouration will change to a beautiful black & white when they become adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behaviour, temperament and handling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What makes these giant millipedes so popular as pets is that they are ‘surface-active’. These millipedes show themselves much more than other millipede species do. It is amusing to see the many legs waving over the ground, slowly push its long body forwards. They are calm pets that just enjoy their own daily business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can house these millipedes in groups. The size of the enclosure depends on how many millipedes you want to keep. They don’t bother each other and can happily live side-by-side. You can only get problems when the enclosure gets overcrowded or if there isn’t enough food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millipedes make great pets because they are not dangerous. They don’t attack, bite, sting or injure humans in any way. The only notice is that they can secrete a brown fluid when feeling threatened. This fluid can irritate the skin, especially when you are allergic to it. It also can make stains on your skin or clothes. Always wash your hands afterwards. You can also use non-powdered latex gloves or a spoon to handle them or move them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although ivory millipedes are quite docile and can be handled carefully, they don’t necessarily like to be touched, petted or handled. They are quite hardy animals, but still don’t handle them too often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like to achieve breeding with giant millipedes, this is the best species to begin with. They are easy and quick breeders. You don’t have to do much to it to see baby millipedes emerge. You can find more on this subject in the breeding section<\/a> below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

New to keeping giant millipedes?<\/strong>

Are you new to keeping giant millipedes? Millipedes are great pets, but it is important to know the basics before keeping them. I recommend you to read our basics guide on how to keep and care for millipedes<\/a>. It contains all the needed information and is packed with practical tips. <\/div>