Benoitolus sp. Khao sok
(NC, Benoitolus: Mauriès, 1980)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Pseudospirobollidae
Genus: Benoitolus
Benoitolus sp. Khao sok is a small arboreal species native to Thailand (Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand ). Adults are about 6 cm long. They are gray in color with a slight greenish tint and yellow/orange mottling. Species very similar to Benoitolus siamensis but the legs are orange and the colors are more pronounced. We have reservations about the idea that these are two distinct species.
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What you might need:
It is possible to keep a group of 10 Benoitolus sp. Khao sok in a terrarium of 20x20x20 (LxWxH) minimum. This terrarium can be made of glass or plastic. It must be slightly 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 the bottom of the terrarium, place at least 5 to 10 cm of substrate. The substrate is essential because it serves as both a habitat and food for the animals. We also recommend that you place pieces of decomposed wood.
The terrarium can be decorated with bark, moss, leaves (oak, beech or chestnut) or branches.
Temperature: Around 20-25°C.
Humidity: 70 - 85% The substrate must remain moist.
Lighting: Sufficient ambient light.
The basic food is the substrate . This is mainly composed of leaves and wood of oak, beech or possibly chestnut decomposed and crushed. We strongly recommend placing pieces of dead wood in the terrarium , the Benoitolus sp. Khao sok will dig into the wood to feed and hide.
You can add fruits and vegetables, fish food/protein supplement and/or lichen.
Calcium intake is recommended, we will therefore add cuttlefish bone, powdered limestone or reptile calcium as a supplement.
Development
FAST
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.
Means of defense: Iules are slow animals and therefore vulnerable to predators. One way to defend yourself is to roll 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.
