African Olive Millipede
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African Olive Millipede (Telodeinopus aoutii) Care Sheet
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | African Olive Millipede |
| Scientific Name | Telodeinopus aoutii |
| Origin | East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique) |
| Adult Size | 20–30 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years in captivity |
| Activity | Nocturnal / crepuscular detritivore |
Behavior
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Calm, slow-moving, and very docile.
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Primarily nocturnal; hides in substrate or leaf litter during the day.
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Rolls into a spiral when threatened; secretes a harmless defensive fluid.
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Social species; thrives in group enclosures.
Enclosure Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 38 liters for adults; larger for multiple millipedes
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Substrate: 8–15 cm layer of coconut fiber, leaf litter, or soil mix; keep slightly moist
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Decor: Logs, cork bark, rocks, leaf litter, moss
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Humidity: 75–85% (maintain consistent moisture for proper molting)
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Temperature:
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Day: 22–27°C
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Night: 20–24°C
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Lighting: Indirect light; avoid bright lights
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Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold while maintaining humidity
Compatibility
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Social species; can house multiple millipedes together.
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Avoid keeping with aggressive or predatory arthropods.
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Non-aggressive toward other invertebrates that do not trigger stress.
Diet
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Detritivore: feeds primarily on decaying plant matter
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Foods:
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Leaf litter
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Decayed vegetables and fruits (apple, cucumber, carrot)
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Occasional calcium supplementation via cuttlebone or powdered calcium dust
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Feed small amounts daily; remove uneaten or moldy food promptly.
Care Tips
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Maintain consistently moist substrate for hydration and molting.
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Clean enclosure every 2–4 weeks; remove waste and mold.
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Avoid overhandling; millipedes are delicate and stress easily.
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Provide hiding spaces and leaf litter for natural burrowing behavior.
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Keep away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Breeding
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Oviparous; lays eggs in substrate.
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Eggs hatch in 3–4 months depending on temperature and humidity.
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Juveniles are smaller versions of adults; require similar care with slightly higher humidity.
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Multiple juveniles can be housed together if space allows.
Visual Quick Guide
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🏠 Enclosure: ≥38 L, moist substrate, hiding spots
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🌡️ Temp: Day 22–27°C / Night 20–24°C
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💧 Humidity: 75–85%
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🍴 Diet: Detritivore (leaf litter, vegetables, fruits)
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🕒 Activity: Nocturnal / crepuscular
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⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides
