Dendrostreptus

Dendrostrepus is a monotypic genus defined by the type species D. macracanthus, which is only found in Tanzania. Specimens that appear superficially similar to D. macracanthus but with cherry-red legs have been found in Cameroon, though these are likely Telodeinopus bibundinus. In the wild this species is reported to be arboreal, but in captivity standard terrestrial housing is sufficient for specimens to thrive and breed.

This species does well with standard millipede care, but will utilize climbing branches in the enclosure to a limited degree. Females can apparently be induced to lay eggs (which are laid all at the same time in a large pile buried in the substrate) by placing a thick layer of well-rotted hardwood leaves into the enclosure. Specimens can take anywhere from 3 1/2 to 5 years to reach adulthood. After mating adult specimens appear to die within a year, though females can apparently store the males sperm for up to six months and lay between one hundred and two hundred eggs per clutch. Breeding report here.

This species can reach to 8"/20.3 cm, with females usually being larger. Males have a distinctive hood at maturity and their legs will pulse during mating. Overall coloration is dark brown-black, with thicker green bands under bright, and long, light pink legs. Babies and juveniles have a sheeny grey coloration with thin, darker grey bands. This species is overall nocturnal, with specimens commonly surfacing in the evenings.

Image compliments of MontePython.