Maui Skunk Striped Millipede Info, Care, Habitat Set-Up for Beginners
A Small, Unique Species for all to Enjoy!
About this Species:
The Maui Skunk Striped Millipede is a small, communal myriapod endemic to Hawaii; notably the island of Maui. This species of millipede is known for its black and white dorsal stripes which strongly resemble that of a striped skunk. This species reaches a maximum length of only 2-2.5 inches and has an expected lifespan of 3-5 years.
This species is an excellent detritivore for bioactive terrariums by aerating the substrate and consuming organic waste.
Unique Adaptations:
Maui Skunk Striped Millipedes (Spirobolellus immigrans) have a unique adaptation that it has in common with other invertebrate species such as Asian Forest Scorpions. Maui Skunk Striped Millipedes are UV Fluorescent, meaning they glow under UV/Blacklight.
Millipedes often have chemical defenses as a means of not being eaten by predators. They are often fluids that the millipede secretes that are either foul smelling or toxic to predators. A common one is Quinones, a fluid that can cause brownish pigmentation on the skin or redness. Depending on the species, this brownish fluid can also contain hydrogen cyanide.
Habitat Set-Up:
Maui Skunk Striped Millipedes are a tropical species that does best in warmer, more humid environments.
We recommend the following climate parameters below:
Temperature: 75-85 °F
Humidity: 70-90%
Habitat Size: This millipede will do very well in a habitat as small as 6 quarts in volume. Larger spaces will allow them to burrow more, consume detritus, and feel more comfortable to breed. They can successfully breed in a 6-quart habitat though!
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Substrate: Ideally a substrate designed for millipedes and other detritivores that has plenty of rotting wood and leaf litter. Another option is to have organic soil with no additives and copious amounts of leaf litter mixed into it. The lower levels of the substrate should be consistently moist to maintain high humidity.
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Additional Materials/Supplies: Sphagnum moss will significantly contribute a strong humidity gradient and also increase the relative humidity of your millipede enclosure. In addition, providing ample types of leaf litter and seed pods will increase environmental enrichment and food availability for this detritivore.
We recommend also keeping your millipedes with springtails to assist with organic matter decomposition alongside breaking down millipede waste.
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Nutrition:
Maui Skunk Striped Millipedes primarily receive their nutritional needs from their substrate. Here at Scholarly Exotics, we supply our Maui Skunk Striped Millipedes with leaf litter, produce (lettuce, carrot, cucumber, zucchini, bell pepper), and some fish flakes for some protein content. We offer produce and fish food once weekly and feed based on colony size.
Ensure that your millipedes have access to a form of calcium such as cuttlebone, to ensure that they are supplemented enough for growth and molting!
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Conclusions:
Thank you for reading this guide to caring for the Maui Skunk Striped Millipede. If you have any questions, please contact us at our email address: scholarlyexotics@gmail.com; we will respond back as soon as possible!