{"id":151235,"date":"2019-08-28T10:08:56","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T10:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/shop\/produkt\/archispirostreptus-gigas-giant-millipede\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T20:53:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T18:53:21","slug":"archispirostreptus-gigas-giant-millipede","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/en\/shop\/product\/archispirostreptus-gigas-giant-millipede\/","title":{"rendered":"Archispirostreptus gigas “Giant millipede”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Archispirostreptus gigas \u2013 the impressive African giant millipede<\/span><\/h2>\n

Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> is one of the largest living millipedes in the world. With a body length of up to 33 cm<\/strong>, this African giant is an impressive sight in the terrarium. Its sturdy, jet-black body and countless tiny legs give it an extraordinary appearance. <\/p>\n

Despite its size, the African giant millipede<\/strong> is an exceptionally peaceful creature. It leisurely roams the substrate, exploring its surroundings and searching for food. Its movement is particularly fascinating. Its numerous legs move in steady waves, making it seem as though it is almost gliding across the ground. <\/p>\n

Unlike centipedes, Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> does not have venomous claws and does not hunt live animals. Instead, it feeds mainly on dead plant matter. As a result, it plays an important role in the decomposition of organic matter in its natural habitat. <\/p>\n

If you love large invertebrates and want to create a natural-looking terrarium, this giant millipede makes for an extraordinary inhabitant.<\/p>\n

A Giant from East Africa<\/span><\/h3>\n

Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> is native to East Africa. Scientifically documented populations are found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique<\/strong>, among other places. <\/p>\n

These animals inhabit a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, coastal woodlands, and, in some cases, more open landscapes with sufficient soil moisture. <\/p>\n

The layer of leaves and humus is particularly important in this regard.<\/p>\n

Here, millipedes find food, shelter, and suitable conditions for their development. They can also retreat to deeper layers of soil when temperatures are unfavorable or the ground is dry. <\/p>\n

That is exactly why the substrate plays such a crucial role in terrarium care.<\/p>\n

Up to 33 cm<\/strong> in body length<\/span><\/h3>\n

Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> is one of the longest millipede species living today.<\/p>\n

Adult animals often reach a length of about 25\u201330 cm<\/strong>. Particularly large specimens can even reach a length of about 33 cm<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The giant millipede has a sturdy, cylindrical body with numerous segments.<\/p>\n

The base color is predominantly deep black to dark brown. At the same time, the legs and the areas between the body segments may appear slightly lighter. <\/p>\n

The animal looks particularly impressive thanks to its shiny surface.<\/p>\n

Despite its size, Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> usually moves calmly and in a controlled manner.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of legs create fascinating movements<\/span><\/h3>\n

The German name “Tausendf\u00fc\u00dfer” is, of course, a bit of an exaggeration.<\/p>\n

Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> does not have a thousand legs either. Instead, it has several hundred legs, the exact number of which depends on its age and the number of body segments. <\/p>\n

The legs do not move at the same time.<\/p>\n

Instead, uniform waves of movement are generated that travel along the body. This allows the millipede to move even through loose substrate. <\/p>\n

This behavior is particularly interesting to observe when the animals walk over large roots or pieces of cork.<\/p>\n

A peaceful giant with unique defensive abilities<\/span><\/h3>\n

Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> is a peaceful invertebrate.<\/p>\n

When in danger, it usually does not try to attack. Instead, it curls its body into a tight spiral. <\/p>\n

This protects its sensitive underside and its many legs.<\/p>\n

In addition, giant millipedes have defensive glands. When faced with a serious threat, they can release a brownish defensive secretion. <\/p>\n

This secretion can discolor the skin and irritate sensitive areas.<\/p>\n

That’s why you should disturb the animals as little as possible and wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. In particular, make sure the secretions do not come into contact with your eyes. <\/p>\n

A terrarium measuring at least 60 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 40 cm<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Due to its considerable size, Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> requires ample space.<\/p>\n

For a pair or a small group, we recommend a terrarium measuring approximately 60 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 40 cm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Larger terrariums naturally offer more room to move around. They also allow for a particularly deep layer of substrate. <\/p>\n

Above all, it is important to have a sufficiently large floor area.<\/p>\n

Although the animals occasionally climb over roots and other structures, they spend a large part of their lives on and in the substrate.<\/p>\n

The terrarium should also be well-ventilated, without allowing the substrate to dry out too quickly.<\/p>\n

At least 15\u201320 cm<\/strong> of substrate<\/span><\/h3>\n

For Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong>, the substrate is the most important component of the entire tank setup.<\/p>\n

We recommend a substrate depth of at least 15\u201320 cm<\/strong>. If there is enough space, the layer can be even deeper. <\/p>\n

There are several reasons for this.<\/p>\n

For one thing, giant millipedes regularly burrow into the ground. For another, they molt while protected underground. <\/p>\n

In addition, the substrate also serves as the most important source of nutrition.<\/p>\n

A thin layer of ordinary terrarium soil is therefore not enough.<\/p>\n

Our millipede substrate\u2014the perfect foundation<\/span><\/h3>\n

For keeping millipedes, we recommend our Insektenliebe millipede substrate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It contains fermented leaves and white-rot-decayed wood. As a result, it not only provides the animals with a suitable habitat but also serves as an important source of food. <\/p>\n

This is because Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> feeds mainly on decomposed organic matter.<\/p>\n

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

You can also provide larger pieces of white-rotten wood and a thick layer of fallen leaves.<\/p>\n

This creates a natural forest floor that the animals gradually traverse and make use of.<\/p>\n

Leaves for fodder and rotten wood are part of the basic supply<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many beginners believe that giant millipedes mainly eat fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n

In fact, however, that’s only a small part of their diet.<\/p>\n

Decomposed leaves and white rot-infected wood<\/strong> form the most important foundation.<\/p>\n

That is why there should always be plenty of food leaves on the substrate.<\/p>\n

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

In addition, white-rotted wood should be a permanent fixture in the terrarium.<\/p>\n

This is wood that has already decomposed significantly, becoming soft and ready to be consumed by millipedes.<\/p>\n

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

Of course, Archispirostreptus gigas<\/strong> also eats a variety of fresh foods.<\/p>\n

For example, the following are particularly popular:<\/p>\n