Not furry either, still lovely.
Ivory Millipede
Chicobolus spinigerus
Also called Florida Ivory Millipede
From Southeastern United States, from Mississippi to Kentucky, and parts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Adults typically reach 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm) in length.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton
The body is long, cylindrical and segmented, with a smooth, hard exoskeleton. Each segment bears two pairs of legs, and the total leg count can be around 58. The overall shape is robust and rounded.12
Personality what they are like
Ivory Millipedes are extremely docile and slow-moving. When startled, they rarely show aggression; instead they curl into a tight coil. They tolerate gentle handling well and are suitable for beginners, classrooms and families. They are primarily nocturnal but can be active during twilight hours.421
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity needs. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting under substrate or hides. They do not require special exercise equipment, but providing a deep substrate layer for burrowing and some cork bark or sphagnum moss for climbing encourages natural behaviour.52
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low-maintenance. The main tasks are maintaining humidity (70-80%), spot-cleaning uneaten fresh food before it moulds, and periodically replacing spent substrate with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate. No bathing or brushing is needed. Wash hands before and after handling.642
Home where they are happiest
A 5-10 gallon tank with a 4-6 inch deep substrate layer of coconut coir, aged leaf litter and decaying wood. Temperature should be kept between 72-82°F during the day and not below 65°F at night. Humidity should be 70-80%. Provide hides such as cork bark. No bright lights are needed as they bother millipedes. This species is not venomous and is legal to keep in most countries, but always check local regulations.127
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Detritivore. The main diet is the substrate itself, decaying wood, leaves and organic matter. Supplement once a week with small amounts of fresh fruit, leafy greens, and a calcium source such as Repashy Bug Burger. Remove any uneaten fresh food before it becomes mouldy.314
Company who they like around
They are highly tolerant of other millipedes and can be housed communally without aggression. They often rest in groups. They are not social in the way mammals are, but they do not require a companion. They are not venomous and are legal to keep in most countries, but always check local regulations.21
The story where it all began
The Ivory Millipede is a native species of the southeastern United States, where it lives in humid forests and wetlands, feeding on decaying plant matter. It has been kept in captivity for many years by invertebrate hobbyists, educators and bioactive terrarium enthusiasts. Its calm temperament, striking ivory-striped appearance and simple care requirements have made it one of the most popular beginner millipedes in the pet trade.142
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ivory Millipede. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Ivory Millipede?
You should supplement their diet once a week with small amounts of fresh fruit and leafy greens. Their main food is the substrate itself, so just remove any uneaten fresh food before it molds.314
What does an Ivory Millipede eat, and what should it never eat?
They are detritivores, so their main diet is the substrate of decaying wood, leaves, and organic matter. Supplement once a week with small amounts of fresh fruit, leafy greens, and a calcium source like Repashy Bug Burger. Avoid feeding them anything not listed, and always remove uneaten fresh food before it molds.314
How much space does an Ivory Millipede need?
A 5 to 10 gallon tank is suitable, with a 4 to 6 inch deep substrate layer of coconut coir, aged leaf litter, and decaying wood. This gives them plenty of room to burrow and explore.127
What temperature, light or water does an Ivory Millipede need?
Keep the temperature between 72 and 82°F during the day and not below 65°F at night. Humidity should be 70 to 80%. No bright lights are needed as they bother millipedes. Provide a water dish or mist the enclosure to maintain humidity.127
How often should I clean an Ivory Millipede's home?
Spot-clean uneaten fresh food before it molds, and periodically replace spent substrate with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate. This keeps the habitat healthy and low-maintenance.642
Can an Ivory Millipede live with others?
Yes, they are highly tolerant of other millipedes and can be housed communally without aggression. They often rest in groups, but they do not require a companion.21
How long does an Ivory Millipede live?
The lifespan varies depending on care and species. For specific information, please ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle an Ivory Millipede?
Yes, they tolerate gentle handling well and are suitable for beginners. They are extremely docile and slow-moving, and when startled they curl into a tight coil. Always wash your hands before and after handling.421
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- bantam.earth: ivory millipede chicobolus spinigerus bantam.earthused for origin, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- furrycritter.com: florida ivory millipede furrycritter.comused for origin, length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
- tropicalmarine.co.uk: florida ivory millipede cb tropicalmarine.co.ukused for length cm, lifespan years, diet basics
- strictlyreptiles.tv: ivory millipede strictlyreptiles.tvused for best traits, temperament, grooming or care, diet basics, history
- arachnoboards.com: ivory millipedes quick info.313020 arachnoboards.comused for activity needs
- bugsincyberspace.com: live pet millipede care sheet bugsincyberspace.comused for grooming or care
- arachnoboards.com: getting an ivory millipede.337849 arachnoboards.comused for habitat needs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.