Atopochetus spinimargo
(Pimvichai, Enghoff, Panha & Backeljau, 2018)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Pachybolidae
Genus: Atopochetus
Atopochetus spinimargo is a species native to eastern Thailand and Vietnam. As an adult, it measures approximately 10cm. It has beautiful orange stripes.
What you might need:
It is possible to keep a group of 5 Atopochetus spinimargo 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 5 to 10 cm of substrate should be placed at the bottom of the terrarium. The substrate is essential because it serves as both a habitat and food for the animals. We also recommend adding 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 decomposed and crushed leaves and wood of oak, beech or possibly chestnut. We strongly recommend placing pieces of dead wood in the terrarium.
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
AVERAGE
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 gonopod.
Prolificacy, mating and laying: High prolificacy if optimal conditions.
Means of defense: Millipedes are slow-moving animals and therefore vulnerable to predators. One way to defend themselves is to curl up tightly, thus protecting their legs and more vulnerable dorsal region. Predators will have difficulty swallowing the millipede as is. It can also secrete a repellent substance with an unpleasant and irritating odor. This can leave orange-yellow stains on the fingers that will disappear within a few days. You should always wash your hands after handling them or wear gloves.
