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Millipedes and Centipedes - Rearing and Sexing Millipedes
In general, Millipedes are an easy, low maintenance
invertebrate to keep. They are non venomous, unlike inverts
such as tarantulas and centipedes, and have a very basic diet,
and housing requirements.
Most Millipede species like to burrow, and
nearly all are nocturnal; they like to escape from light.
Both of these requirements can be met, by simply filling their
enclosure with around 5 inches or so of peat, to enable them
to burrow. Millipedes can also live comunally, which makes
them even easier to keep. This also helps breeding, as they
can spend their lives together, as opposed to being introduced
in cycles, to attempt a successful breeding session.
Plenty of room must be provided for the Millipedes,
and for this, there is a general rule. The enclosure my be
at LEAST twice as wide as the largest Millipede, and at LEAST
twice as long as the largest Millipede. Most hobbyists will
keep their Millipedes in much larger enclosures than this,
but if you are stuck for space, then this is a good guide
to follow.
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The
terrarium must not be over crowded, as there must be room for the
Millipede to roam, explore, and feed. Sometimes, water can be provided
in the form of a small bowl, however, it must be ensured that the
water is not so deep, that the millipede could face drowning. The
enclosure for the Millipede can be created by using a variety of
different types of housing. Aquariums (the type one might keep fish
in), are the most common type of enclosures. Not only are these
simply, and easy to clean, but also allow full sight into the tank.
If you do not have any room for an aquarium, then small, plastic,
hamster type enclosures can also be used. It must be ensured that
the enclosure has a lid, as some Millipedes can become good climbers!
Millipedes
like rotting wood, so introducing some small logs, or even cork
bark can be a good idea. Not only will this add some interest for
the Millipede, but will also help the tank look more natural, and
appealing to the eye. The Millipede will use the bark, or log as
a shelter in the day from light, and also a means of cooling down
if temperatures become a little high. Moss can also be added to
the terrarium for extra attraction, and to provide a small snack
for the Millipede.
The
two essential ingredients for healthy Millipedes, are moisture,
and Chitin. Moisture, or humidity, can be obtained by simply spraying
the enclosure, and keeping the substrate moist. The Chitin (which
is used for growth of the Millipede), can be fed to the Millipede
through leaves, particularly oak leaves.
Feeding
is generally very easy. The will eat most fruit, vegetables, and
other rotting material, including leaf litter and decaying wood.
The best food to introduce is foods that not mould quickly (for
example, apple has a tendancy to mould quickly). Chitin is also
required for growth, as stated above.
As
with all invertebrates, the enclosure must be cleaned regularly.
If there is a build up of dung on the floor of the tank, or other
rotting foods of materials, this must be removed. By doing this,
you are reducing the spread of bacterial infections, and other diseases
that could affect the Millipede.
Sexing
Sexing
a Millipede will usually require you to look at the underside of
the Millipede, so, its stomach area (in context). This can usually
be done my placing the Millipede on a clear surface, such as a piece
of glass, or perspex.
The
way to sex a Millipede, is to try and spot is a pair of "Gonopods",
which are "modified legs". Males bear two different forms
of gonopods; Hidden, and visible. The visible gonopods will be,
well, visible. They will be like two small stumps on the seventh
segment. The hidden gonopods will not be visible at all, so there
will just be gap in the segment. Female Millipedes will not have
these gonopods, in fact, they will have nothing at all...it will
just look like another segment, with legs, and no other differences.
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