Atopochetus caudulanus
(Karsch, 1881)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Diplopoda
Order: Spirobolida
Family: Pachybolidae
Genus: Atopochetus
Originating from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam), Atopochetus caudulanus is a millipede with a bluish-gray coloration, highly valued for its elegance. Adults measure about 8 cm in length. Primarily active at night, it contributes to the recycling of organic matter in the terrarium. Completely harmless, it can, like most millipedes, secrete a defensive liquid when disturbed.
What you might need:
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It is possible to maintain a group of 5 Atopochetus caudulanus in a terrarium of at least 20x20x20 (LxWxH). This terrarium can be made of glass or plastic. It should be slightly ventilated. Plastic boxes can also be used by making a few ventilation holes. The goal is to maintain a humid but slightly aerated atmosphere.
At the bottom of the terrarium, you should place at least 5 to 10 cm of substrate. The substrate is essential as it serves both as habitat and food for the animals. We also recommend adding decomposed wood pieces.
You can enhance the terrarium with bark, moss, and leaves (oak, beech, or chestnut). The addition of branches is highly recommended.
Temperature: About 20-25°C.
Humidity: 70 - 85% The substrate should remain moist.
Lighting: Sufficient ambient light.
The staple food is the substrate . This is essentially made up of leaves and decomposed and ground oak, beech, or possibly chestnut wood.
You can add fruits and vegetables, fish food/protein supplement, and/or lichen.
A calcium supplement is recommended, so we will add cuttlefish bone, powdered limestone, or calcium for reptiles as a supplement.
Young iules seem tofeed on the feces of older animals. At birth, we therefore recommend keeping the young with the adults.
Development
about 1 year
ADULT LIFESPAN
About 2 years
Sex: 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.
Fecundity, mating, and laying eggs: High fecundity under optimal conditions.
Defense mechanism: Millipedes are slow-moving animals and therefore vulnerable to predators. One way to defend themselves is to curl up tightly, thereby protecting their legs and more vulnerable dorsal region. Predators will have difficulty swallowing the millipede as it is. It can also secrete a repulsive substance with an unpleasant and irritating odor. This can leave yellow-orange stains on the fingers that will disappear in a few days. You should always wash your hands after handling them or wear gloves.
