Red fire millipede (Centrobolus ruber)

Short answers

Red fire millipede: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×30 cm for a small group (60 cm in length is more comfortable).

Red fire millipede: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Red fire millipede: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Red fire millipede: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 3–5 years.

Red fire millipede: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×30 cm for a small group (60 cm in length is more comfortable)

Substrate

10–15 cm of leaf humus plus white-rotted wood and cork; damp, but never waterlogged; a calcium source

Feeding

Food

Fallen leaves and white-rotted wood as the base, soft vegetables (cucumber, courgette), little fruit, some protein

Feeding interval

leaf litter and wood always available; vegetables and protein several times a week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 4–6 cm (38–45 body segments)

Life expectancy

approx. 3–5 years

Origin

Southern Africa (mainly KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Protection status

No CITES or protected status

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A group is possible and common: millipedes are peaceful and not cannibalistic, and there is no competition over hides or food. A single animal kept alone does not suffer either - a group is only needed if you want to breed them.

Notes

Brilliant red and diurnal; a defensive secretion (benzoquinones) under stress – wash your hands, and keep it out of your eyes. Some of the husbandry figures come by analogy from the genus and relatives (C. splendidus, Mozambique).

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Red fire millipede (Centrobolus ruber) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Fire millipede (Centrobolus splendidus) – Beginner
• Mozambique giant millipede (Centrobolus sp. Mosambik) – Beginner
• Giant African millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) – Beginner
• American giant millipede (Narceus americanus) – Beginner
• Bumblebee millipede (Anadenobolus monilicornis) – Beginner
• Ghana giant millipede (Ophistreptus guineensis) – Beginner
• Ghana black-foot millipede (Spirostreptus gregorius) – Beginner
• Green millipede (Telodeinopus aoutii) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Red fire millipede (Centrobolus ruber) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm for a small group (60 cm in length is more comfortable)), substrate (10–15 cm of leaf humus plus white-rotted wood and cork; damp, but never waterlogged; a calcium source), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.