Invertebrate · Millipede
Rusty millipede care guide
Trigoniulus corallinus
The rusty millipede is a beginner-level millipede from Southeast Asia (now pantropical). Adults reach Body 5–7 cm and live 3–5 years in captivity. Prolific breeder; colonies need regular rehousing as they grow.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 22–28°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a rusty millipede cost in Canada?
Rusty millipede quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 5–7 cm
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia (now pantropical)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, vegetables
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Rusty millipede enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a rusty millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, vegetables. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer produce and calcium weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Easy to handle; wash hands afterwards.
Health watch: Mould and mites on leftover food.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a rusty millipede bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Rusty millipede FAQ
Is the rusty millipede good for beginners?
Yes – the rusty millipede is a good choice for beginners. Easy to handle; wash hands afterwards.
What size enclosure does a rusty millipede need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a rusty millipede cost in Canada?
Typically $10–25 CAD to buy, about $120–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rusty millipede need?
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a rusty millipede eat?
Detritivore – rotting wood, leaf litter, vegetables. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer produce 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.