Anadenobolus monilicornis
(From Porat, 1876)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Rhinocricidae
Genus: Anadenobolus
Also called "bumblebee millipede" or "bumblebee millipede" in English, Anadenobolus monilicornis are native to the Caribbean, but also to other Central American countries.
This is a small species measuring about 5cm long and 4mm wide when adult. They have an elongated cylindrical body composed of rings. Each thoracic segment has a single pair of legs while each abdominal segment has two pairs of legs.
They are black/grey with yellowish to lime green rings. The antennae and legs are red/pink. The young are white and measure a few millimetres at birth. The colours will appear as they grow.
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This species is also found in Florida (USA) where it was introduced. It was first discovered in Monroe County in 2001. Since then Anadenobolus monilicornis has become a real invader. They are even found in buildings and houses. There are strong similarities with the species Ommatoiulus sabulosus aimatopodus which is very invasive in the south of France.
It is possible to keep a group of 3 iules in a terrarium of 30x20x20 (LxWxH) minimum. This terrarium can be made of glass or plastic. It must be slightly to partially ventilated. You can also use plastic boxes by making a few ventilation holes. The aim is to maintain a humid but ventilated atmosphere.
At least 5cm of substrate will be placed at the bottom of the terrarium. The substrate is essential because it serves as both a habitat and food for the animals.
The terrarium can be decorated with bark, moss, leaves (oak, beech or chestnut) or branches.
Temperature: Breeding possible between 20°C and 26°C. Additional heating in the form of a low-power heating mat can be used if necessary but be careful that it does not dry out the substrate too quickly.
Humidity: 70 - 80% The substrate must remain slightly damp
Lighting: Sufficient ambient light.
Generalist detritivores: The mandibles of Anadenobolus monilicornis are enlarged and specialized for chewing. In nature it feeds mainly on decomposing plant material but also on seeds, fruits, mushrooms that have fallen to the ground.
In breeding, the basic food is the substrate . This is essentially composed of leaves and wood of oak, beech or possibly chestnut decomposed and crushed.
Then we will add fruits, vegetables, mushrooms or bettle jelly. We can supplement with fish food.
A calcium intake is essential , so we will add cuttlefish bone, powdered limestone or reptile calcium as a supplement.
Development
1 and a half to 2 years
ADULT LIFESPAN
6 months to 1 year
Sexing: As with most millipedes, one or two pairs of legs on the seventh segment of the male are transformed into a reproductive organ also called a gonopodium.
Prolificacy, mating and laying: High prolificacy if optimal conditions. Mating takes place face to face and is quite long. The female will lay her eggs in the substrate. The number of eggs is variable.
Means of defense: Iules are slow animals and therefore vulnerable to predators. One way to defend yourself is to curl up tightly enough to protect your legs and your more vulnerable dorsal region. Predators will have difficulty swallowing the iule as is. It can also secrete a repellent substance with an unpleasant and irritating odor. This can leave orange-yellow stains on your fingers that will disappear within a few days. You should always wash your hands after handling them or wear gloves.
