{"id":151188,"date":"2020-03-27T17:52:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T16:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/shop\/produkt\/telodeinopus-assiensis-west-african-millipede\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T19:10:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T17:10:30","slug":"telodeinopus-assiensis-west-african-millipede","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/en\/shop\/product\/telodeinopus-assiensis-west-african-millipede\/","title":{"rendered":"Telodeinopus assiensis “West African millipede”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> \u2013 an impressive West African millipede<\/span><\/h2>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong>, the West African millipede<\/strong>, is a large and attractive millipede native to tropical West Africa. Its elongated body, numerous legs, and striking coloration make it a fascinating addition to naturalistic terrariums. <\/p>\n

But Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> isn’t just interesting to look at. Like other large diplopods, it spends a lot of time foraging through the substrate, decomposing leaves, and burrowing through the substrate. As a result, a well-set-up terrarium becomes an object of observation in its own right. <\/p>\n

The type of substrate is particularly important in this context. For a millipede, the substrate is not merely a piece of decor. It also serves as a habitat, a hiding place, a place to molt, and the most important source of food<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> is native to West Africa<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> was described by Cook in 1897<\/strong>. The species is native to tropical West Africa and is scientifically associated in particular with the Ivory Coast<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The species name \u201cassiensis\u201d refers to Assinie on the coast of what is now C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n

This means that this millipede comes from a warm region where organic material such as leaves and decaying wood plays an important role on the forest floor.<\/p>\n

This is exactly the habitat we’re trying to recreate in the terrarium.<\/p>\n

Up to about 20 cm<\/strong> in body length<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> is one of the larger millipedes kept in terrariums.<\/p>\n

Adult animals can reach a body length of<\/strong> approximately 15\u201320 cm<\/strong>. Some individuals remain smaller, while particularly large animals can approach the upper limit. <\/p>\n

The body is long and relatively slender. As a result, despite its considerable length, this species appears less massive than, for example, some members of the genus Archispirostreptus. <\/p>\n

The many body segments and pairs of legs create the characteristic wave-like motion when they walk, which is what makes millipedes so fascinating.<\/p>\n

An attractive illustration with strong contrast<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> also has a lot to offer visually.<\/p>\n

The dark base color is complemented by lighter to yellowish-brown areas. The numerous legs, in particular, stand out clearly from the body. <\/p>\n

Depending on the lighting, stage of development, and the individual animal, the coloration may appear to vary in intensity.<\/p>\n

The natural pattern really stands out beautifully, especially on dark forest humus, among brown fallen leaves and white-rotted wood.<\/p>\n

A peaceful inhabitant for the forest terrarium<\/span><\/h3>\n

The West African millipede<\/strong> is one of the more peaceful terrarium animals.<\/p>\n

He spends a large part of his time foraging for food. While doing so, he runs across the surface, disappears under leaves, or burrows completely into the substrate. <\/p>\n

The fact that an animal is not visible at all from time to time is therefore no cause for concern.<\/p>\n

Just before molting, millipedes often retreat deep into the substrate. There, they create a sheltered area for themselves and sometimes remain hidden for long periods of time. <\/p>\n

The substrate is crucial for Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n

For almost no other group of animals is the quality of the substrate as important as it is for millipedes.<\/p>\n

We therefore recommend our millipede substrate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It consists of further-fermented organic material, including fermented leaves and white-rot wood<\/strong>. As a result, it contains precisely those plant components that are particularly important for the diet of diplopods. <\/p>\n

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

At least 10\u201315 cm of substrate depth<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

For adult Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong>, the substrate should be laid down to a sufficient depth.<\/p>\n

We recommend at least about 10\u201315 cm<\/strong>; if the terrarium is tall enough, feel free to use more.<\/p>\n

The reason is simple: millipedes don’t just live on the substrate\u2014they also live inside it.<\/p>\n

They burrow, rest, and molt underground. At the same time, they search there for usable organic material. <\/p>\n

A thin layer of soil cannot fulfill these functions.<\/p>\n

The substrate is also the most important source of food<\/span><\/h3>\n

This point is often underestimated in the centipede pose.<\/p>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> needs more than just fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n

Their primary food source consists of decomposed leaves and wood in the white rot stage<\/strong>. That is exactly why we use a special millipede substrate. <\/p>\n

In addition, there should always be a layer of fallen leaves<\/strong> on the surface. They will gradually decompose and be eaten by the animals. <\/p>\n

White rot-infected wood<\/strong> should also be provided on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

This means the diet is much more closely aligned with the natural processes of a forest floor than with a traditional food bowl.<\/p>\n

Fruits and vegetables are only supplemental foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fruit and vegetables can also be offered.<\/p>\n

Good choices include, for example, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, apples, or pumpkin.<\/p>\n

However, these are considered supplemental feed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A millipede should never rely primarily on cucumbers or fruit for food. Feeding leaves, white-rotted wood, and a high-quality millipede substrate form the much more important foundation. <\/p>\n

You should also check fresh supplemental feed regularly and remove it before it spoils or becomes heavily moldy.<\/p>\n

Lime is a must-have in a terrarium<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to plant material, Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> requires a reliable source of calcium.<\/p>\n

Cuttlefish shells<\/strong>, for example, are suitable for this purpose.<\/p>\n

The animals can eat from it as needed and thus get additional minerals.<\/p>\n

Mineral intake plays an important role, especially during growth and around the time of molting.<\/p>\n

The cuttlebone can simply be placed on the substrate and replaced as needed.<\/p>\n

Keep it warm and tropical<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> thrives in a warm temperature range.<\/p>\n

As a general guideline, we recommend keeping the temperature between about 23 and 27 \u00b0C<\/strong> during the day. At night, the temperature can drop slightly. <\/p>\n

You shouldn’t try to heat the entire substrate too much.<\/p>\n

A heating mat under the terrarium is not suitable<\/strong>, because millipedes usually burrow downward when looking for cooler, sheltered areas.<\/p>\n

If the most intense heat were to come from below of all places, this natural behavior would no longer work.<\/p>\n

Moist, but never soggy<\/span><\/h3>\n

The substrate for Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> should maintain a consistent level of moisture.<\/p>\n

However, it must not be wet or muddy.<\/p>\n

A moisture gradient is ideal. One part of the soil can be kept slightly moister, while other areas are less moist. <\/p>\n

This allows the millipede to choose for itself.<\/p>\n

At the same time, good ventilation is important. After all, keeping them in tropical conditions does not mean that the terrarium should be filled with stagnant, humid air at all times. <\/p>\n

Leaves protect the soil from drying out<\/span><\/h3>\n

A thicker layer of fallen leaves<\/strong> serves several purposes at once.<\/p>\n

It serves as food and provides hiding places at the same time. It also reduces direct evaporation from the substrate beneath it. <\/p>\n

This creates a stable microclimate.<\/p>\n

Visually, too, a terrarium with a natural layer of leaves looks much more authentic than one with a completely exposed substrate.<\/p>\n

Little by little, the leaves are eaten and decomposed. That’s why you should regularly add new leaves as food. <\/p>\n

White-rot wood is part of the basic supply<\/span><\/h3>\n

White-rotted wood<\/strong> is not a decorative material, but an important part of the diet.<\/p>\n

As a result of advanced decomposition, the wood becomes soft and can be consumed by diplopods.<\/p>\n

You can place larger pieces directly on top of or partially into the substrate.<\/p>\n

This creates both natural structures and secluded areas.<\/p>\n

If the wood is gradually decaying, that’s exactly what we want. It’s precisely in this condition that it becomes particularly attractive to millipedes. <\/p>\n

Molting Underground<\/span><\/h3>\n

If Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> suddenly burrows into the substrate and doesn’t reappear for a while, you shouldn’t go looking for it right away.<\/p>\n

A molting may be imminent.<\/p>\n

During this phase, the millipede is particularly vulnerable. Its new exoskeleton is soft at first and must first harden completely. <\/p>\n

That’s why you should never dig up<\/strong> an animal that’s been buried just to check if everything is okay.<\/p>\n

A substrate that is sufficiently deep and suitable allows the animal to carry out this important process undisturbed.<\/p>\n

Keeping them in groups is no problem<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> can generally be kept with several other individuals of the same species.<\/p>\n

The animals are peaceful and do not exhibit any pronounced territorial behavior.<\/p>\n

Of course, the size of the terrarium must be adjusted to the number and size of the animals.<\/p>\n

It is especially important to have enough substrate. The more millipedes there are in the terrarium, the faster the organic matter in the substrate will be consumed. <\/p>\n

That’s why you should check the condition of the substrate regularly.<\/p>\n

When does the substrate need to be replaced?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Over time, the organic material in the substrate is consumed.<\/p>\n

You can tell when the substrate is worn out because its original loose structure gradually disappears, leaving behind more and more fine, crumbly material or feces.<\/p>\n

Then it’s time to replace some of the substrate.<\/p>\n

In the case of an active terrarium, it isn’t necessarily necessary to remove everything at once.<\/p>\n

What is important, however, is to regularly replenish the supply of sufficiently nutrient-rich material.<\/p>\n

A fascinating animal for natural-looking terrariums<\/span><\/h3>\n

Telodeinopus assiensis<\/strong> is particularly interesting if you want to observe not only the animal itself but also a small, functioning forest terrarium.<\/p>\n

Leaves are decomposed, wood is slowly eaten away, and the substrate is constantly being dug through.<\/p>\n

As a result, the terrarium is constantly changing.<\/p>\n

For many owners, that is precisely what makes the “centipede position” so appealing.<\/p>\n

Advantages at a glance<\/span><\/h3>\n