Spirobolellus sp. "Maui"
(NC)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Spirobolellidae
Genus: Spirobolellus
Spirobolellus sp. "Maui" is a small species of millipede native to the island of Maui , in the Hawaiian archipelago. This myriapod measures about 2.5 cm when adult . It has a contrasting black and white coloration , which makes it easily recognizable.
One of its remarkable features is its fluorescence under UV light : certain parts of its body react to ultraviolet rays by emitting a visible glow, a phenomenon still rare among diplopods.
What you might need:
It is possible to keep a group of 10 to 15 individuals in a terrarium measuring at least 20 x 20 x 20 cm (L × W × H) . This terrarium can be made of glass or plastic , provided it is poorly ventilated . A humid but slightly ventilated atmosphere is essential for their well-being.
Plastic boxes with a few holes punched in them can also be suitable.
At the bottom of the terrarium, you will need to place 5 to 10 cm of substrate , which plays a fundamental role: both life support and a source of food for the animals. It is strongly recommended to include pieces of decomposed wood , essential to their diet.
To enrich the environment, we can add:
- bark ,
- foam ,
- dead oak, beech or chestnut leaves ,
as well as some branches , which will serve as hiding places and increase humidity.
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
Fast
ADULT LIFESPAN
about 1 year
Sexing: Species difficult to sex due to its size. 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: 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.
