Desmoxytes planata
(Pocock, 1895)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Polydesmida
Family: Paradoxosomatidae
Genus: Desmoxytes
Desmoxytes planata are native to the Andaman Islands but due to international transit this species can be found in other countries such as Thailand, Seychelles, Java, Sri Lanka, Fiji or Malaysia. They measure about 4 cm.
They are also called "pink dragon centipedes" because of their pink spikes on their bodies that resemble dragon scales. The body is brown/black and the legs are pink.
The young are a few millimeters long and are less colorful. They are slightly pinkish white and the legs are white or translucent.
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Desmoxytes planata can secrete hydrogen cyanide. This seems to happen in rare cases. But it is best not to stress them too much and to wash your hands well after handling.
What you might need:
It is possible to keep a group of 10 Desmoxytes planata in a terrarium of 20x20x20 (LxWxH) minimum. This terrarium can be made of glass or plastic. It must be poorly ventilated. You can also use plastic boxes by making a few ventilation holes. The aim is to maintain a humid but slightly ventilated atmosphere.
At least 10cm 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.
Humidity: 70 - 90% The substrate must remain moist.
Lighting: Sufficient ambient light.
Generalist detritivores: The basic food is the substrate . This is essentially composed of leaves and wood of oak, beech or possibly chestnut, decomposed and crushed.
You can add fruits and vegetables, fish food or lichen.
Calcium intake is recommended, we will therefore add cuttlefish bone, powdered limestone or reptile calcium as a supplement.
Development
FAST
ADULT LIFESPAN
About 1 year
Sexing: Males have longer antennae and legs, the tips are more pronounced, and they appear generally slimmer.
Prolificacy, mating and laying: High prolificacy.
