Florida Ivory Millipede (Chicobolus spinigerus)

Florida Ivory Millipedes — Introduction & Overview

Florida Ivory Millipedes (Chicobolus spinigerus) are gentle, glossy, cream-banded detritivores native to the southeastern United States. Calm, hardy, and captivating to watch as they sift leaf litter, they excel as a low-maintenance bioactive clean-up crew or as the star of a planted microhabitat. Under safe blacklight, their pale bands show a subtle fluorescence, adding an irresistible “night-museum” vibe for display-minded keepers.

Why Keep This Species

  • Attractive ivory banding and smooth, uniform curl when resting.
  • Hardy, forgiving husbandry; thrives in bioactive enclosures.
  • Educational decomposer that demonstrates nutrient cycling.

Keeper Profile

  • Handling: primarily hands-off; gentle, brief handling only.
  • Climate: ~72–78 °F (22–26 °C) & 75–85% RH with airflow.
  • Habitat: deep, nutritious substrate, ample hides, leaf litter & decayed wood.

Keeper’s Summary

Provide a terrestrial enclosure (10–20 gal for a small group) with 3–5″ (7.5–12.5 cm) of nutrient-rich substrate, abundant leaf litter, and decaying hardwood (primary food). Maintain 72–78 °F with a mild night dip and 75–85% humidity; mist lightly while preserving ventilation. Offer shallow water via moistened moss zones; add cuttlebone or calcium. Supplement leaf litter with occasional vegetables/fruit and a tiny protein source. Avoid frequent handling and always wash hands—millipedes can secrete mild defensive chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin.

🐾 Florida Ivory Millipede — Chicobolus spinigerus

  • Common Name(s): Florida Ivory Millipede, Ivory-Banded Millipede
  • Scientific Name: Chicobolus spinigerus
  • Native To: Southeastern USA (Florida & neighboring Gulf/Atlantic states)
  • Adult Size: ~2.5–4″ (6–10 cm)
  • Life Span: ~2–5+ years with good care
  • Difficulty: Easy (beginner-friendly bioactive detritivore)



Characteristics & Temperament

A calm, slow-moving detritivore, Chicobolus spinigerus spends much of the day nestled beneath leaf litter, emerging at dusk to graze on decaying plant matter and wood. Their predictable routines make them wonderful display invertebrates for bioactive builds.

Appearance

  • Coloration / Pattern: Satin brown to chestnut rings with distinctive pale ivory bands on each segment; glossy sheen.
  • Build / Form: Cylindrical body, many short legs; smooth coil when resting or startled.
  • Light Response: Subtle band fluorescence under safe UV/blacklight; best viewed briefly to avoid stress.

Temperament

  • Baseline: Calm & shy; prefers to hide in the day, forages at night.
  • Response to Disturbance: Curls and may secrete mild defensive chemicals; rarely attempts to bolt.
  • Feeding Style: Slow grazer on leaf litter/wood; accepts supplemental veg/fruit in the evening.

Social Housing

  • Communal potential is good with ample food and hides; avoid overcrowding.
  • Provide deep substrate and multiple cover zones to reduce resource guarding.
  • Default: Small groups are fine; quarantine new additions before mixing.

Quick Traits

UV Responsive: Yes (subtle) Most Active: Nocturnal Handability: Occasional

Keeper Notes

  • Stress Signs: Prolonged tight curl, refusal to emerge, aimless surface roaming.
  • Confidence Builders: Deep, nutritious substrate; abundant leaf litter; low-traffic placement; consistent moisture gradient.
  • Display Tips: Indirect lighting; observe with red light at night; brief UV looks only.

Care Requirements

Core setup and environmental targets to keep Chicobolus spinigerus thriving.

Enclosure Setup

  • Type: Terrestrial, burrowing bioactive.
  • Minimum Size: 10–20 gal for a small group (4–6). Larger is easier to stabilize.
  • Safety: Tight-fitting lid with cross-ventilation; route cords safely; no heat rocks.

Layout

  • Size: e.g., 20L or 24″×12″×12″
  • Lid: Secure mesh or locking front with vent panels.
  • Hides: Cork rounds, bark slabs, leaf piles, moss pockets.
  • Enrichment: Decayed hardwood chunks, leaf litter layers, live plants (pothos, ferns).

Substrate

  • Blend: Organic topsoil + coco fiber + leaf litter + pulverized decayed hardwood (approx. 3:2:2:2 by volume).
  • Depth: 3–5″ (7.5–12.5 cm) to permit shallow burrowing and moisture buffering.
  • Purpose: Primary food source (leaf litter/wood), humidity retention, secure footing.

Habitat

  • Water: Maintain moist micro-zones (moss cups/corners). Shallow water caps optional; avoid drowning risk.
  • Décor: Logs, cork, leaf litter, safe rocks; add cuttlebone for calcium.
  • Behavior Fit: Surface forager and shallow burrower.

Environment Targets Set & monitor

Temp (°F)
Target: 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) with a gentle night dip to ~68–72 °F.
Humidity
Aim for 75–85% RH; keep ventilation to prevent mold.

Lighting

Ambient room light is sufficient; UVB not required. Provide a stable 12L:12D photoperiod. Night viewing via dim red light if desired; brief UV looks only.

Food & Water

  • Staples: Leaf litter and decaying hardwood (essential). Refresh regularly.
  • Supplement: Thin slices of squash, cucumber, carrot, sweet potato, and occasional fruit (small amounts, remove leftovers).
  • Protein: Very small amounts of fish flakes or specialized invertebrate chow 1× weekly.
  • Hydration: Keep part of the substrate evenly moist; provide moist moss zones; replace any water frequently.
  • Best Time to Feed: Evening.

Cleaning

  • Spot-Clean: Remove uneaten produce within 12–24 hrs; prune moldy patches.
  • Deep Clean: Refresh substrate layers every 4–6 months; rinse décor with hot water only (no soaps/chemicals).
Safety Note: Millipedes may secrete mild defensive chemicals (benzoquinones). Avoid contact with eyes/mouth, wash hands after any handling, and limit handling duration. Keep away from sensitive pets such as amphibians.
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