Atopochetus dollfusi

Atopochetus dollfusi – When nature becomes an experience

Atopochetus dollfusi formerly Tonkinbolus dollfusi has a gray and black ringed body with a pale red stripe on the back. The head shield (collum), the antennae and also the legs of this species are colored red. The telson spine is also red. They have black dots on the exits of the defense glands.

Atopochetus dollfusi is a species native to Thailand and Vietnam that grows up to 110 mm in size. They impress above all with their beautiful coloration, to which they also owe their German name Regenbogentausendfüßer. The species is considered difficult to keep and is not suitable for beginners. Breeding Tonkinbolus dollfusi is quite difficult. The animals are sold under many different names, such as silver red-striped millipede or blue-red Vietnam millipede. In the wild, the animals live close to the ground, especially in forests, but they can also be found on plantations. If kept well, they can reach an age of up to 5 years.

The base area for a terrarium for Atopochetus dollfusi should not be less than 40 mm x 30 mm. The substrate should be littered at least 10 cm high, preferably more.

Temperatures of around 23-25°C have proven to be just as effective for this species as a humidity of permanently over 75%. Like almost all millipede species, the animals are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. Additional lighting is therefore not necessary. Heat should always be introduced into the terrarium from above. To keep moisture in the substrate, it can be covered with bark, moss or leaves. In contrast to most other species, Atopochetus dollfusi is rarely seen on the surface and stays mainly in the substrate. Shelters in the form of pieces of bark, small caves etc. are readily accepted. Cucumbers, apples, fish food and much more can be offered as food, but the main food source for this species is the substrate.