Wild flat-backed millipede ID? New habitat

[CosbyArt]

After looking most of the summer I finally found a millipede, and it seems they use to be everywhere as a kid.

I found the millipede at a local park on Tuesday, under old tree bark in the nearby woods while I was collecting moss, and looking for walking sticks or mantids. The millipede is about 1" long and is a flat-backed species (Polydesmida). Can anyone further ID this species, or can tell if it is male or female?

I did built it a large habitat, perhaps much to large; however, as I read that millipedes can be kept together, even different species, it seemed like a good time to do it. The habitat sits on a dark shelf above my mantids.

It is a Sterilite 16qt (15L) plastic tank 16 3/4"L x 11 7/8"W x 7"H (42.5cm x 30.2cm x 17.8cm). The substrate is a mix of compost soil, sandy soil, oak leaf litter, and oak wood shavings/sawdust (as mentioned by Peter at his website/store). The substrate is about 2" thick and on top is pieces of oak bark, a old oak branch, and some patches of moss. On the lid is 1 1/2" circle for ventilation covered with aluminum mesh in, and organza fabric on top to keep out fruit flies.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Looks like a Pseudopolydesmus species.

 

[CosbyArt]

Thanks for the ID, it looks like you are correct. A bit of digging and it seems it might be a Pseudopolydesmus canadensis as the photos seem to match the coloring on mine (one photo match).

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Glad I could help.

 

[MantidBro]

I have these in my backyard and in the woods! Loads of em, theyre cool. I had one that Id named Poly lol. I guess I did have more than just one millipede, although these were field caught and he was purchased from Bugsincyberspace.

Nice habitat by the way.

 

[CosbyArt]

I have these in my backyard and in the woods! Loads of em, theyre cool. I had one that Id named Poly lol. I guess I did have more than just one millipede, although these were field caught and he was purchased from Bugsincyberspace.

Nice habitat by the way.

Nice, so do you keep these anymore? I know millipedes are suppose to be only active at night, but so far the little one has been out and about whenever I peek in. I figured I wouldn't see him often as the tank is huge compared to him, but he seems to like to say hello.

Thanks, I'll have to play with the setup as needed. I know moss does need some low-light at least so I'll have to see if it survives, or if I have to move the tank to a shelf that gets a bit more light. Only thing I have had to worry about so far is the humidity. As it is a new tank and everything seems to be really soaking up the moisture.

 

[MantidBro]

Nice, so do you keep these anymore? I know millipedes are suppose to be only active at night, but so far the little one has been out and about whenever I peek in. I figured I wouldn't see him often as the tank is huge compared to him, but he seems to like to say hello.

Thanks, I'll have to play with the setup as needed. I know moss does need some low-light at least so I'll have to see if it survives, or if I have to move the tank to a shelf that gets a bit more light. Only thing I have had to worry about so far is the humidity. As it is a new tank and everything seems to be really soaking up the moisture.

Not at the moment, though I did have a pretty good sized girl this year but ended up releasing her because I needed the container for mantids lol. I used to see my ABG (African Black Giant) exploring during the day when i first got him, i think he wasnt used to his nea surroundings yet so was sort of outta whack. After a while i started seeing him during the day less and more so at night. Though i did still see him during the day sometimes just not as much as when id first gotten him. He liked to be burrowed, sometimes id never find him lol. They're friendly and cute critters eh?

Good luck with getting it all set up right for your little guy!

 

[CosbyArt]

Not at the moment, though I did have a pretty good sized girl this year but ended up releasing her because I needed the container for mantids lol. I used to see my ABG (African Black Giant) exploring during the day when i first got him, i think he wasnt used to his nea surroundings yet so was sort of outta whack. After a while i started seeing him during the day less and more so at night. Though i did still see him during the day sometimes just not as much as when id first gotten him. He liked to be burrowed, sometimes id never find him lol. They're friendly and cute critters eh?

Good luck with getting it all set up right for your little guy!

Needed a container?

I know what you mean though, I tend to keep a mound of various sized ones anymore so I don't have to make choices. I have found too that the plastic shoebox ones from Walmart at only $0.87 have a great tight lid, and are good enough for most things - or at least as a holding tank for others.

I figured that might happen with my millipede too, and today the flat-backed one hasn't been around in sight yet. I have seen a few Bumblebee ones near the water bowl, but most of them are already hiding too.

Thanks so far the only worry I have is what fruits and veggies I can put in there for them. I've read even some feed straight table scraps, like a dog lol. Looks like I should get myself a new gift of the Millipede book from Orin.

Yeah, I was rather shocked how great the millipedes are. They don't have fangs, claws, fly, jump, bite, etc., etc. - and seem to like being held a bit. Seems they grow on you.