Odontostreptus sjoestedti

Odontostreptus sjoestedti – the pink-striped giant millipede from Africa

The Odontostreptus sjoestedtialso known as pink striped millipedeis an impressive invertebrate from West Africa and is one of the largest and most beautiful millipede species in the terrarium hobby. With a length of up to 20 centimetres and its contrasting pink to pink stripes on a black body, it is a real eye-catcher in any terrarium.

The color pattern of Odontostreptus sjoestedti can vary greatly. While many animals show the typical pink and black stripes, there are also specimens in which the pink is only slightly pronounced, which makes the species even more exciting, as each group has its own variety of colors.

Despite its size, this giant millipede is a peaceful animal that is easy to observe. It is mainly nocturnal and likes to spend the day buried or under leaves and pieces of wood. It becomes active in the evening and at night and goes in search of food. Its calm locomotion makes it look elegant and conveys a calming image.

When kept Odontostreptus sjoestedti is uncomplicated, but needs the right conditions to feel comfortable. A spacious terrarium with a deep substrate layer of forest soil, leaves and white rotten wood is necessary, as the animals like to dig. The temperature should be between 22 and 26 °C, with high humidity, as is known from their natural habitat in the warm and humid regions of West Africa. Good ventilation is important to avoid waterlogging.

The pink-striped millipede is not picky when it comes to food. It mainly eats dead leaves, wood and moss, but will also eat fresh vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini or carrot. An additional source of calcium, such as a cuttlefish shell, supports the stable structure of its shell.

The Odontostreptus sjoestedti is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an unusual yet easy-to-care-for terrarium animal. With its striking coloration, size and peaceful behavior, it is a highlight for any terrarium and also provides an important benefit as a decomposer in the bioactive setup.