Smokey Oak Millipedes

 Ideal Temperature 

Ideal Temperatures: 72–80°F

Avoid temperatures below 65°F or above 85°F.

Humidity

 Ideal Humidity Levels: 70–80% 

Maintain high humidity with regular misting and moisture-retentive substrate. 

A hygrometer is recommended.

Tips

Mist daily or as needed to keep substrate damp but not soggy.

Primary Diet

Decaying leaf litter, rotting wood, and organic compost

Supplemental Foods

Sliced fruits (banana, apple, melon), vegetables (cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato), and calcium sources (cuttlebone, powdered calcium, crushed eggshells)

Feeding Tips:

Offer fresh produce 2–3 times per week.

Remove uneaten food within 24–48 hours to prevent mold.

Avoid citrus and processed foods.

 Millipedes molt as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton in a quiet, hidden process.

Signs of Molting 

Lethargy, burrowing, reduced movement

Care During Molting

Do not disturb; ensure humidity is stable

Molting may take a few days to a few weeks. As millipedes age they will molt less often.

Post-Molt

Newly molted millipedes may appear pale and soft—give them time to harden

 Minimum Size 

5–10-gallon tank for a small group

or

a shoe box sized plastic tub / Large Critter Keeper for a single Individual

Substrate

3–6 inches of organic compost soil mixed with leaf litter, decaying wood / Flake Soil, Sphagnum Moss / Frog Moss 

Decor

Bark hides, moss, cork pieces, and leaf litter for enrichment

Ventilation

Moderate airflow with a secure lid to retain humidity

Maintenance

Spot clean weekly

Full substrate change every 2–3 months

 Compatible Species

Other non-aggressive detritivores like isopods (White Dwarf Isopods) or Springtails.

Avoid 

Predatory invertebrates, large insects, or animals that may disturb or eat millipedes

Note

Always monitor interactions and provide ample hiding spaces

Some isopod species are more aggressive than others, make sure you are choosing a compatible species. 

When your millipedes are molting, watch that tank mates do not take the opportunity to feast on the defenseless millipede.

 Temperament

Docile and slow-moving

Handling Tips

Gently scoop with both hands or let them crawl onto your palm

Avoid squeezing or dropping

Wash hands before and after handling (they may secrete mild defensive chemicals)

Best Practices

Limit handling to short periods of time

Supervise children during interactions

Never handle during molting