Anyone who can put two and two together knows where millipedes get their name. But here’s the twist: despite the name “millipede” (meaning “thousand feet”), the first species to actually reach that number wasn’t discovered until 2021. That newly identified species, Eumillipes persephone, boasts a stunning 1,306 legs! So at last, the name “millipede” is justified — at least for this one.
Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda, which literally means “double-footed.” Over 450 million years of evolution, their body segments have fused in pairs. Each fused segment has two pairs of legs, which gives their body added stability and helps them climb and burrow with ease.
Millipedes primarily feed on decaying plant matter, making them essential clean-up crews in natural ecosystems. They are mostly vegetarian, not hunters, and prefer to stay out of sight. Their natural predators include birds, scorpions, and reptiles. Because of this, millipedes are generally shy and cautious animals. When threatened, they curl up tightly into a ball, protecting vulnerable areas like the belly and head at the center.
As a defense mechanism, they release a brownish secretion from pores along their body segments. This fluid smells unpleasant and can stain the skin yellowish to violet. While harmless to humans, the secretion should be kept away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Millipedes are fascinating to observe and surprisingly easy to care for. They can be kept in terrariums or repurposed aquariums — even without lighting. Since they feed mainly on leaf litter and decaying wood, these should form the base of their substrate. Most species don’t even require heating and thrive at normal room temperatures. That means you’ll need very little equipment, save money, and still enjoy keeping beautiful, exotic creatures!
Millipedes are large, colorful detritivores that feed on leaf litter and decaying wood, enriching the substrate in the process.
Their peaceful nature and low-maintenance requirements make them excellent pets—even for beginners.
