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AFRICAN GIANT BLACK MILLIPEDE (Archispirostreptus sp. ) African Giant Black Millipedes are very pretty , extremely docile , moisture loving giants that make the perfect pet arthropod . These Millipedes have the ability to curl up into a ball if disturbed and can secrete a rarely used liquid that could be dangerous if put in the mouth or eyes . The washing of hands is essential if they are exposed to this liquid . They don't have a million legs , as a misinformed person might believe , but they do have around a hundred . To find the number of legs on your millipede count the body sections then multiply by two and subtract six - this will give you nearly always the correct amount . The African Giant Black Millipede is believed to be the largest millipede in the world . This species should be the first millipede considered if you are thinking of owning one as a pet . Range Tropical and Sub - tropical Africa Habitat Mostly found under moist debris , rotting wood etc. . Type Terrestrial , but will burrow . Diet Vegetables and fruits - tomatoes , melon , bananas , lettuce etc. Millipedes should be given calcium in their diet - a calcium supplement is ideal . Full Grown Size and Growth Rate Approx . 8 to 12 Inches . Slow growth rate . Lifespan Long . Temperature and Humidity 75 - 80F with High humidity , two mistings per week . Temperament Very docile . Housing 5 - 10 gallon tank , depending on the size of the millipede . This species can live communally . The tank should be twice as long and at least as wide as the individual . Use approximately 3 - 4 inches of peat moss and potting soil which should be kept moist . As this species may burrow , depth is important .
*Taken from INVERT newsletter - volume three , issue two - August 1999 . Back issues available to members . |