Giant African Millipede
Scaphiostreptus parilis acuticonus
Giant African Millipedes inhabit warm, damp, dark places
of tropical and sub tropical Africa. They can be found under
moist debris and rotting wood, where they feed on old
rotting material. Like earthworms, they are decomposers,
breaking down material in the soil.
These millipedes are among the largest millipedes in the world, reaching lengths of 8-11 inches. Each segment of their bodies have two sets of legs, which gives them the appearance of having a million legs, but really only have about 100.
African Millipedes are beautiful creatures and can make terrific pets. They are docile, don't bite, and their main line of defense is to coil into a tight ball. They do have a backup defense weapon, though. They can secrete a foul smelling and bad-tasting fluid. This fluid is thought to be made up of mostly quinos and hydrochloric acid. It is fairly harmless, although it should never be applied to the eyes or eaten. It is called repugnatorial fluid and there is a pair of glands on each segment of the millipede's body that secretes this fluid. Giant African Millipedes do not usually give this fluid off unless they are handled badly.
They are also easy to raise, as they do not require very
much attending to. They will live mostly on cut-up apples or
cucumbers (which are cut up because the millipedes'
mandibles are not strong, and they need to get to the pulp
easily). They also need lime salts which can be found
in chalk. This enhances the hardness of the exoskeleton.
They also need to drink or lick misted water off their
bodies.
EcoTarium is home to several African Millipedes which are used in many programs, including one of our school programs on Arthropods.
Written by Naturalist Isak Donatelli