{"id":6708,"date":"2021-09-04T22:21:26","date_gmt":"2021-09-04T22:21:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/?p=6708"},"modified":"2022-04-17T06:57:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-17T06:57:14","slug":"giant-african-olive-millipede-telodeinopus-aoutii-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/giant-african-olive-millipede-telodeinopus-aoutii-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Giant African Olive Millipede [Telodeinopus aoutii] Care Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you are in search of a lovely millipede species that is easy to keep and fascinating to watch then you found it. Giant African olive millipedes are in my opinion the best millipede species and they are my personal favourite. They are very easy to keep. In this care guide, I will tell you all you need to know so you can start keeping these many-legged creatures in your living room (or any room for that matter). No more waiting, let’s dive in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giant African olive millipedes (Telodeinopus aoutii<\/em>) need an enclosure with a floor space of 60cm by 40cm, a 10cm thick layer of substrate with plenty of decaying matter, a warm temperature between 22\u00b0C and 26\u00b0C and a humid environment. If you have all that, these millipedes will thrive and soon start breeding. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, that sounds easy, right? Basically, it is that simple, but there is still a lot of practical tips and best practice so your millipedes will even be happier. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss all the things you should know to provide the best care for these fascinating and beautiful creates. But first, let’s look more closely into this millipede species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the giant African olive millipede<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>
Giant African Olive Millipede \/
Giant Olive Millipede \/
Ghana Speckled Leg Millipede \/
Long Legged Millipede<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Telodeinopus aoutii<\/em><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Up to 5 years<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Up to 19cm (7,5″)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
Ghana, Togo (Africa)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant African olive millipedes have, as the name suggests, a dark olive coloured body with distinctive dark to light brown bands on every body segment. Their long legs, two pair on each body segment, are light with dark speckles. Some traits have even a more green olive coloured body. Their head and anal valve are generally a bit lighter than the rest of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an adult body size up to 19cm (7,5″), they belong to the medium-sized millipede species. Males are generally smaller than females. They are quite thin in contrast with their body length. They have longer legs than most other millipede species that they use to climb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On their head, they have two antennae pointing forwards and two compound eyes (number of simple flat lens ocelli). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Giant African olive millipedes are, like almost all millipede species, mainly crepuscular and nocturnal \u2014 meaning that they are most active when it’s dark. However, in my experience (sub)adult animals show themselves often during the day when supplemental food is available or just to take a walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These long-legged millipedes are terrific climbers and you will often see them climb on all there is in their enclosure. When they are not above ground they like to hide in humid shelters under a piece of bark or between the moss and leaves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giant African olive millipedes have a lifespan of around 5 years. With 2 to 3 years they become sexually mature and are ready to reproduce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are calm species and don’t bother much when you come in the enclosure to spray water or replace the old food with new. When they get scared you’ll see them walk backwards and walk towards a hiding place, or they star curling up into a coil as a defence. They can excrete a foul-smelling liquid that can irritate the skin as a defence mechanism. They will use that when they are not used to human contact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These millipedes can be handled very easily when they get used to it. Never pick up a millipede from its body and try to dig them up as little as possible. You can let them walk on your hand. You can coax them carefully so that they can decide to climb on your hand. When they get used to you as a keeper they will walk on your hand easier every time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

New to keeping giant millipedes?<\/strong>

<\/strong><\/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\u00a0basics guide on how to keep and care for millipedes<\/a>. It contains all the needed information and is packed with practical tips.<\/div>