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As noted above, the family name above is often used as an umbrella designation for a variety of species ranging from Africa to South America. Several are quite common in captive collections, such as S. sp. "1" , "6", and "8", while others are rarer, such as sp. "9". The rest are presumed to have disappeared from captive collections as there are few to no records of these species being kept by enthusiasts in recent times. The TMED team uses the numbering system as used by the diplopoda.de team and has expanded upon it where information is available.
All "numbered" species do well with standard millipede care and likely appreciate seasonal variation to breed consistently, though in the case of sp. "1" and "6" this has been found to be unnecessary. S. sp. "8" and "9" have only been bred inconsistently in captivity and therefore probably need seasonal variation.
Other numbered Spirostreptidae sp. from South Africa are available from a German seller, but it's unclear if they are just being assigned numbers randomly as they do not seem to fit with the currently established system, and as such they are not discussed here.
Spirostreptidae sp. "1" adults and "6" juveniles. Photo courtesy of Arthroverts.
Spirostreptidae sp. "1" (also called Spirostreptus, Globular Millipede, Olive Millipede, and Burmese Beauty). From Tanzania, reaches to roughly 5"/12.7 cm. There is another species called "1" from Gabon. Photo of Tanzanian specimen compliments of Adriàn Purkart.
Spirostreptidae sp. "2" was identified as Spirostreptus gregorius, and the number has been retired from use. Photo compliments of Adriàn Purkart.
Spirostreptidae sp. "3" (commonly confused with D. macracanthus). Purportedly from Madagascar, reach to 15 cm/5.9". Millipeden, Diplopoda.de, Millipedia, Arachnoboards.
Spirostreptidae sp. "4". From West Africa, reaches to 20 cm/7.8". Geleedpotigen, diplopoda.de.
Spirostreptidae sp. "5". From East Africa, reaches to 4.5 in/11.4 cm. Terraon, diplopoda.de.
Spirostreptidae sp. "6". From Madagascar (commonly incorrectly called Aphistogoniulus polleni), reach to about 6"/15.2 cm. There are orange and black leg variants. There is another species that doesn't look the same but is called under the name here. Photo of black-legged variety compliments of Adriàn Purkart.
Spirostreptidae sp. "7". From French Guyana, reaches to 23 cm/9".
Spirostreptidae sp. "8". From West Africa (including Cameroon and Nigeria), reaches to about 26 cm/10.2".
Cultivation report on Spirostreptidae sp. "8", by MillipedeTrain
Cultivation report on Spirostreptidae sp. "8", by MillipedeTrain
This is a gorgeous millipede featuring wide olive green segments with thin black bands. Along every black band is an extremely thin band of metallic coppery iridescence that shimmers in the light. They are a very strong, hardy species that is fairly resistant to foot rot even in the poorest of husbandry conditions. While Spirostreptidae sp. "8" seems to have better resistance to the bacteria, it is not invincible and therefore steps should still be taken to ensure proper moisture levels in the substrate are present at all times. A hygrometer with a probe is a worthwhile, inexpensive investment that can help keep track of this if one is not confident with their own intuition with regards to touching the substrate itself. The hygrometer optimally should read 60% relative humidity at all times.
This species is an avid breeder in my experience and will gladly procreate in captivity when their basic needs are met. Like all millipedes, they need a healthy, nutritious substrate that consists of decayed hardwood and leaves as well as a good base substrate. They also enjoy a variety of mosses and lichens, and organic fruits and veggies are always happily accepted. If you designate a small ceramic bowl or dish for feeding, your millipedes will quickly learn and remember that this is the place that always has the fresh produce.
Spirostreptidae sp. "8" is a confident species that traverses the surface often and is not very photosensitive, which gives one ample opportunities to appreciate their beauty and capture some video or pictures with the flash on. Offspring, on the other hand, like most millipede young, are extremely photosensitive and do not lose their fear of light and open spaces until they mature.
Photo compliments of Michael McNichols.
A much darker Spirostreptidae sp. "8", highlighting the variability of the species. Photo compliments of Adriàn Purkart.
Spirostreptidae sp. "9". From Cameroon, reaches to 26 cm/10.2". Looks like an orange version of sp. "8".
Photos compliments of MillipedeTrain.
Spirostreptidae sp. "10". Only two records, one stating they come from South Africa, another with an unknown locale that looks visibly different.
Spirostreptidae sp. "11". Only one record from Cameroon.
Spirostreptidae sp. "12". This species has been identified as Sechelleptus argus, and the number has thus been retired from use.
Spirostreptidae. sp. "13". This species has been identified as Sechelleptus lambertoni, and the number has thus been retired from use. Photo of orange juvenile compliments of Adriàn Purkart.
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