Invertebrate · Millipede
Desert millipede care guide
Orthoporus ornatus
The desert millipede is a intermediate-level millipede from SW United States, northern Mexico. Adults reach Body 10–15 cm and live 7–10 years in captivity. Keep the surface drier than tropical species but the deep layer moist.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 40–60% (damp lower layer)
How much does a desert millipede cost in Canada?
Desert millipede quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 10–15 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- SW United States, northern Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 40–60% (damp lower layer)
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – rotting wood, dry leaves, vegetables
- Bioactive style
- Desert invertebrate
Desert millipede enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a desert invertebrate bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix15 cm
Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–60% (damp lower layer). UVB: Not needed.
What does a desert millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, dry leaves, vegetables. Keep leaf litter and wood available and offer vegetables and calcium weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable; wash hands afterwards.
Health watch: Needs deep substrate kept damp at the bottom for moulting and estivation.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check.
Weekly
- Feed; remove leftovers.
- Moisten one corner lightly.
Monthly
- Check the soil hasn’t become damp throughout.
Yearly
- Refresh substrate if it smells or compacts.
Recommended for a desert millipede bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Desert millipede FAQ
Is the desert millipede good for beginners?
The desert millipede is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and handleable; wash hands afterwards.
What size enclosure does a desert millipede need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a desert millipede cost in Canada?
Typically $25–50 CAD to buy, about $110–200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a desert millipede need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–60% (damp lower layer).
What does a desert millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, dry leaves, vegetables. Keep leaf litter and wood available and offer vegetables and calcium weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.