Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes are extremely large like Giant African Black Millipedes; but unlike African Blacks, they do not secrete an offensive stain on your fingers when they are handled.
Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes are very active and move above ground a lot when they are older. They are also very inquisitive. Because of their high activity levels and large size they require large terrariums. A minimum 30 gallon-long terrarium is recommended; anything less would not be suitable for these types of millipede due to their size and very active disposition. When Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes mature and reach a large size they are somewhat arboreal in their behavior. They will usually climb any branches or items placed in their terrarium. For this reason care should be taken to ensure that branches do not extend too high within their enclosures, lest they fall and critically injure themselves. Care should also be taken when handling this species to ensure that they are not dropped. The average lifespan of the Madagascan Orange Legged Millipede is uncertain. Some species may take as long as 10 years to mature and this species could be one of them.
Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes average between 7 and 11 inches at maturity. These millipedes have very large legs. Their legs, in proportion to body size, are much larger than those of the African Black. Upon maturity, the males are easy to differentiate from the females. Males have the characteristic gap (modified gonopods) at the seventh segment down from the head, while the females have no such gap. Though the Madagascan Orange Legged Millipede is in the same genus as the Fire Millipede they are easy to distinguish. The Fire Millipede is much smaller, with entirely different coloration. Orange Legged Millipedes have brown/dark bodies with huge orange legs while Fire Millipedes have red/orange on their bodies and do not have massive bodies or massive legs.
Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes are native to the island of Madagascar, which is located off the east coast of Africa. Madagascar is an island that has different climate conditions in different regions (of the island). These Millipedes seem to prefer rather moist, but not overly moist, conditions.
Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes seem to prefer an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, though they will tolerate temperatures as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In most areas a heater is not needed, even in cold areas. As with most millipedes they dislike very warm conditions. And it should be noted that especially warm conditions can kill them.
Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes require large terrariums, at least 30-gallons in size. Glass plates should cover the entire top of the terrarium, except for an area where window screening should be used to allow air to enter and circulate. The ventilation screen should be weighted down where it meets the rim of the terrarium to keep other invertebrates out. Many keepers of millipedes do not realize the ability of many harmful creatures to not only enter their homes, but to additionally climb up and crawl into their terrarium, to devour, or compete with, the millipedes. For this reason it is very important to seal your terrarium. Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes do best in humidity levels around 80 percent. Adjust the width of the screen opening to modify humidity levels.
Unlike many types of millipedes Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes do not like Oak leaves or similar leaves in their terrarium as a food source. Instead, they relish Oak wood and Oak branches, especially semi-rotted material. Needless to say, these small hunks of wood and branches need to be treated before adding them to your terrarium; otherwise centipedes, and other creatures that may eat the millipedes, may enter the terrarium causing complete havoc! Soak the wood in very hot or boiling water, then wrap it in plastic bags and place it overnight in the freezer; after thawing it out, it is usually safe to place in your terrarium. Peat moss, as your terrarium's substrate, should also be placed, overnight, in your freezer (to kill off any potential carnivorous enemies) before putting it in the tank. Do not overfill your terrarium with logs or wood. 5 inch x 3 inch pieces should be sufficient; though smaller pieces may be used for young millipedes since larger pieces will hide them from view. Once the young millipedes mature they will move around the terrarium a lot more and hide less.
As far as feeding, Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes do well on a diet of high quality flake fish food. Fish food has a lot of different food sources in it, and includes much needed calcium and shrimp meal, which builds up their exoskeletons. Some brands of fish food are prone to fungus - these should be avoided. Vegetables such as smashed peas and cooked sweet potatoes may be given occasionally. In addition to food, place a cuttlebone, such as those used for pet birds, in their terrarium for additional calcium. Additionally it may be a good idea to scrape the cuttlebone with a knife to let some of the powder land in the substrate for the millipedes to ingest. The best humidity, in the terrarium, occurs when, the small logs or chunks of wood are partly damp and partly dry, with the majority of the surface being damp. Do not change the peat moss substrate often. Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes do best with as little interference as possible. If you do not overfeed, their terrarium should stay fresh and not foul smelling. A shallow bowl of fresh water should be place in the terrarium to help maintain the desired humidity. Occasionally spray with a plant mister help with humidity.
Never, under any circumstances, try to rub alcohol (or cleaning agents), as some articles suggest, on your millipedes in an attempt to remove the small, communal, gamasid scavengers that may crawl upon them. These tiny creatures are beneficial to your millipedes. They benefit the millipedes by removing harmful mold, mildew, and unwanted waste from their bodies. Alcohol applied to millipedes will either injure the millipedes or kill them. These tiny creatures have a symbiotic relationship with the millipedes, wherein each creature benefits from the presence of the other species. Over-cleaning and over-handling your millipedes will usually kill them.
This species is not bred often in captivity, but one hobbyist who has been successful has reported that his Madagascan Orange Legged Millipedes laid eggs and after a few months, the young grew to about 3 inches in length and have just started getting the characteristic orange legs.
Eggs are a milky white color, around two millimeters thick. The young hide a lot more than the adults do, though they do venture out at night. The young are also extremely delicate. For this reason do not handle the young.
