Spirostreptus servatius “Firehead-Millipede”

Short description:

Spirostreptus servatius is a large species originating from West and Central Africa. Mostly the animals grow up to 20 cm long, but also 26 cm long specimens have been sighted, but these are the exception. How old this species can become in nature is not known. However, it is certain that in a terrarium it can live for more than 5 years if well cared for. Their natural habitat is moist, shady forests. Sometimes it can be found under the name of fiery wood centipede, or orange-headed centipede. It happens that they are confused with Sechelleptus pyrhozonus. However, the difference can be seen relatively early on. Where Sechelleptus pyrhozonus shows an orange-grey ringing quite early, this is completely missing in Spirostreptus servatius.

The slim body of Spirostreptus servatius is dull and gray-brown colored. Legs, as well as antennae are also in this color. The head of S. servatius is strikingly colored orange-red. The sexes can be distinguished in this species by coloration. Males are clearly duller colored than females. In addition, the 7th segment is somewhat thickened in them.

Spirostreptus servatius should be kept from a floor space of 30 cm x 60 cm. The substrate should be interspersed about 15 cm high. Since this species builds extensive tunnel systems, it is better to offer more substrate than too little. The animals can often be observed on the surface during the day and do not make high demands on the keeping, which makes them good “beginner animals”. At a temperature around 25-28°C they feel most comfortable. Humidity should be between 70% and 80%. To make it easier to keep the humidity in your tank, it is recommended to lay out leaves, pieces of bark and moss on the substrate, this will protect the substrate from drying out too quickly. Since the animals also like to climb, branches should be present in the terrarium. The handling with the animals is uncomplicated, however one reads often that they probably pinch very gladly times. The breeding of this species has only succeeded a few. What causes the animals to lay eggs is not yet completely clear. Possibly the animals need a dry phase. The main part of their food is the organic material contained in the substrate, but also additional food in the form of vegetables, fruit and millipede food is taken with pleasure.

Essentials for Spirostreptus servatius!