{"id":149961,"date":"2019-05-20T19:35:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T19:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/shop\/produkt\/spirostreptus-spec-9\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T22:17:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T20:17:40","slug":"spirostreptus-spec-9","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/en\/shop\/product\/spirostreptus-spec-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Spirostreptus spec. 9"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spirostreptus spec. 9 \u2013 the orange-banded giant millipede from Cameroon <\/span><\/h2>\n

Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> is one of the most striking large millipedes from Africa. Its orange-yellow banded pattern<\/strong>, dark brown body, and gray legs, in particular, make it a real eye-catcher in the terrarium. <\/p>\n

With a body length of up to 25 cm<\/strong>, this millipede reaches an impressive size. At the same time, its elongated, glossy body gives it a distinctly elegant appearance. When its numerous legs move in smooth, even waves, its extraordinary coloration is shown off to its best advantage. <\/p>\n

These animals are native to Cameroon<\/strong>, where they prefer to inhabit moist, shady forest areas. Therefore, in a terrarium, they need a deep, nutrient-rich substrate, sufficient moisture, and a variety of hiding spots. <\/p>\n

Their behavior is also particularly interesting. Under the right conditions, Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> can regularly be observed at the surface. This makes this species ideal for anyone who not only wants to keep large millipedes but also wants to observe their natural behavior. <\/p>\n

A unique find from the forests of Cameroon<\/span><\/h3>\n

Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> is native to the humid forest regions of Cameroon.<\/p>\n

There, the animals spend a large part of their lives on and in the forest floor. Among dead leaves, rotten wood, and loose soil, they find food and shelter. <\/p>\n

However, the name ” Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> ” is a trade name or working name. The exact scientific classification of the species has not yet been definitively determined. <\/p>\n

Therefore, the number 9 should not be confused with a valid scientific species name.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, this term is useful in terrarium keeping because it allows these animals to be distinguished from other similar-looking African millipedes.<\/p>\n

Dark brown with bright orange-yellow rings<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most striking feature of Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> is its high-contrast coloration.<\/p>\n

The body has a dark brown base color. At the same time, the individual body segments feature orange-yellow bands<\/strong>, creating a particularly beautiful striped pattern. <\/p>\n

The legs and antennae, on the other hand, are mostly gray.<\/p>\n

In addition, the body has a very smooth and glossy surface. This makes the colors appear particularly vivid. <\/p>\n

The orange-yellow markings really stand out, especially against the dark forest floor.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between Spirostreptus spec. 9 and spec. 8? <\/span><\/h3>\n

Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> resembles Spirostreptus spec. 8<\/strong>, which is also found in Africa.<\/p>\n

Both forms grow to a considerable size and have an elongated body.<\/p>\n

The most noticeable difference is in the color.<\/p>\n

While Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> stands out due to its orange-yellow ring pattern, Spirostreptus spec. 8<\/strong> exhibits a different color pattern.<\/p>\n

However, since the scientific classification of these trade forms has not yet been fully clarified, the distinction should not be based solely on individual color characteristics.<\/p>\n

Up to 25 cm<\/strong> in body length<\/span><\/h3>\n

With a length of approximately 20\u201325 cm<\/strong>, Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> is one of the larger millipedes kept in terrariums.<\/p>\n

Adult animals have a robust, elongated body with numerous segments.<\/p>\n

Most body segments have two pairs of legs each. This results in their characteristic undulating movement. <\/p>\n

Its behavior when crossing roots and other natural obstacles is particularly interesting.<\/p>\n

The animals move with surprising agility and explore their surroundings with their antennae.<\/p>\n

Peaceful and easy to observe<\/span><\/h3>\n

Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> is one of the peaceful millipedes.<\/p>\n

The animals spend a lot of time searching the substrate for food. As they do so, they move across leaves, explore pieces of wood, or disappear among natural structures. <\/p>\n

Reports from the field describe this species as being active on the surface relatively often.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, an animal can burrow completely into the ground at any time.<\/p>\n

Especially during molting or under unfavorable conditions, millipedes often retreat into deeper layers of soil.<\/p>\n

This is part of their natural behavior and is not a cause for concern at first.<\/p>\n

A spacious terrarium with a large floor area<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because of its size, Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong> needs plenty of space.<\/p>\n

For a small group, we recommend a terrarium measuring approximately 80 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 50 cm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The substrate is particularly important here. This is because the animals spend most of their lives on and in the substrate. <\/p>\n

At the same time, there must be sufficient height to allow for a sufficiently deep layer of substrate to be added.<\/p>\n

Roots and pieces of cork create additional hiding spots and provide interesting climbing opportunities.<\/p>\n

However, heavy pieces of furniture must be stable so that they do not tip over if someone tries to dig under them.<\/p>\n

At least 15 cm<\/strong> of millipede substrate<\/span><\/h3>\n

The substrate is the most important component of tank maintenance.<\/p>\n

For Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong>, we recommend a substrate depth of at least 15 cm<\/strong>. If there is enough space, the layer can be even deeper. <\/p>\n

After all, millipedes don’t just live on the ground.<\/p>\n

They burrow into the ground, rest in deeper layers, and retreat to molt.<\/p>\n

In addition, the substrate is also their most important source of food.<\/p>\n

That is why standard terrarium soil is not sufficient for long-term care.<\/p>\n

Our millipede substrate as a food source<\/span><\/h3>\n

For Spirostreptus spec. 9<\/strong>, we recommend our special millipede substrate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It contains fermented leaves and wood affected by white rot.<\/p>\n

As a result, it not only provides the animals with a natural habitat but also with important sources of food.<\/p>\n

This is because large millipedes feed mainly on dead and already decomposed plant material.<\/p>\n

The substrate should therefore not<\/strong> be mixed with other types of soil<\/strong>. Doing so would only reduce the proportion of usable nutrients. <\/p>\n

Food leaves belong in the terrarium at all times<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to the substrate, there should always be plenty of food leaves<\/strong> available.<\/p>\n

Dead oak and beech leaves, for example, are particularly suitable.<\/p>\n

The leaves serve as food and also provide natural hiding places.<\/p>\n

In addition, a thicker layer of leaves protects the soil beneath from drying out too quickly.<\/p>\n

Over time, the material is eroded and further broken down.<\/p>\n

That’s why you should regularly add fresh leaves.<\/p>\n

White-rot wood is indispensable<\/span><\/h3>\n

White-rot wood<\/strong> is also part of the basic supply.<\/p>\n

This is wood that has already decomposed significantly and has become soft due to fungal activity.<\/p>\n

Millipedes are particularly good at breaking down this very material.<\/p>\n

You can place larger pieces directly on the substrate or partially work them into it.<\/p>\n

This creates both natural structures and additional feeding sites.<\/p>\n

Fruits and Vegetables as a Supplement to the Diet<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to their main natural diet, the animals will eat various types of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n

Suitable examples include:<\/p>\n