Orthoporus ornatus (Texan giant millipede)
Orthoporus ornatus - also known as the Texan giant millipede - is a fascinating species of diplopod that is often kept in terrariums.
Origin:
Southern USA (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and Mexico.
Size:
Up to 25 cm long, making it one of the largest millipedes in North America.
Characteristics:
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Typically reddish-brown to orange in colour, with darker segments.
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Very robust and long-lived (can live for several years).
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Peaceful and harmless - an interesting animal to observe.
Keeping in a terrarium:
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Terrarium size: at least 40 × 30 × 30 cm for one animal or a pair.
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Substrate: moist humus substrate (forest humus, leaves, white rotten wood), at least 10-15 cm high for burrowing.
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Climate: Temperatures between 22-26 °C, humidity 70-80 %.
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Furnishings: Pieces of bark, foliage, climbing branches, hiding places.
Diet:
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Mainly leaves, rotten wood, vegetables (e.g. cucumber, carrot, courgette), fruit (apple, banana) in small quantities.
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Provide a source of calcium (cuttlefish shell or mineral powder).
Special features:
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Very robust in husbandry.
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Releases a slightly odorous defence fluid when stressed, but this is harmless to humans.
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An ideal starter animal for invertebrate lovers.
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