Olive Millipede

Olive millipedes do best in a warm, humid enclosure that mimics a forest floor. Use a secure plastic tub or glass tank with good ventilation and at least 3–4 inches of nutrient‑rich substrate made from coconut fiber, organic topsoil (chemical‑free), rotted hardwood, and plenty of leaf litter. The substrate should stay damp to the touch but never waterlogged, and there should be lots of hiding spots using cork bark, curved wood, and deep leaf piles so they can burrow and feel secure. Keep them away from direct sunlight and drafts, and aim for temperatures in the low‑ to mid‑70s °F with humidity around 70–90%.

Olive millipedes are detritivores, feeding mostly on decomposing leaves, rotting wood, and the organic matter in their substrate. To keep them healthy and growing, offer thin slices of vegetables such as cucumber, squash, carrot, or sweet potato a few times per week, plus the occasional small piece of fruit. Always provide a calcium source like cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile‑safe calcium powder to support strong exoskeletons and good molts. Remove uneaten fresh food before it molds, spot‑clean waste and moldy areas, and handle them gently and infrequently—let them crawl onto your hand instead of being grabbed, and wash your hands before and after handling.

Olive Millipede Quick Care Points

• Enclosure: Secure, escape‑proof tub or tank with good ventilation

• Substrate depth: At least 3–4" of moist, organic mix (coco fiber, organic soil, rotted wood, leaf litter)

• Moisture & humidity: Keep substrate damp, not soggy; target ~70–90% humidity

• Temperature: Low‑ to mid‑70s °F; avoid direct sun and temperature swings

• Hides & decor: Cork bark, curved wood, and thick leaf litter for hiding and burrowing

• Staple diet: Decomposing leaves, rotting wood, and bioactive substrate

• Fresh foods: Thin slices of cucumber, squash, carrot, and sweet potato; occasional fruit treats

• Calcium source: Cuttlebone, crushed sterilized eggshell, or reptile‑safe calcium powder always available

• Cleaning: Spot‑clean old food and moldy areas; replace sections of substrate periodically

• Handling: Minimal and gentle; let them crawl onto your hand and wash hands before and after contact