Interactive Millipede Encounters for Schools & Events

All about millipedes

invertebrate * detrivore * nocturnal
origin:
worldwide
habitat:
anywhere dark & damp
life span:
7-10 years

Food: Millipedes eat rotting plants and animals including leaves, grass, fruits and insects. They make good ‘recyclers’ in the garden, helping return nutrients to the soil.

Size: Millipedes can be long. Up to 27cm. Smaller species also exist and can only grow to about 0.5cm. Regardless of size they are safe. They do not harm or attack people or possessions.

Appearance: Related to the crab, they are some of the oldest known land animals. They have long, slender, cylindrical bodies. They have 2 pairs of legs per segment, and whilst their name means ‘a thousand feet’, most only have about 60-200. Some species have been found to have over 1000 feet though.

Millipede make excellent pets. A low maintenance pet. They are easy to care for and require little space. They can be handled by children safely. Their enclosure should include soil, moisture, shelter and food. And be twice as long as they are. Don’t be alarmed if you find mites in their enclosure. That’s normal as they have a symbiotic relationship.

Consider rehoming a rescue animal. Contact your local animal charity or check out these charities which have nationwide pet rehoming schemes: Blue Cross, Animal Rescue & Care and RSPCA