milli had babies...i think?

[Yve]

i purchased two millis a few months ago (have no idea what sex they are) and notices a few off white miniscule creatures stuck to the bottom of their food dish... i'm not sure if they are millis but they seem to fit the description. they're about 2mm long and look like tiny worms. there is also a pile of milli dung near the bowl that looks as if it were pushed into a pile. I think its some sort of a chamber but i'm not sure, anyone know what this might be?

Yve

[Tim and Julie B]

Yes they are probably babies! Congrads. They are white at first and then as they get bigger they change color. They have to be kept with the parents because they eat the dung. Nice hey! Anyways they will be with the adults for months. Congrads again that is cool. What kind are they?

[Vanan]

Woah! That's sounds really cool and interesting Tim. Never knew that! Ain't it nice when parents s*** on you first thing you're born.

[Thomas]

sorry if you think I'm stupid but what is a milli?

[Yve]

no ? is stupid....they are giant african black millipedes....and i just found some information on the pile of poop they formed....they do form poop chambers for the babies and that is where the babies hang out and dine! This is sooo exciting.....can't wait for them to get bigger!

[Tim and Julie B]

Wahoo congrads! I want to breed millis also. Weird little things. I call them non-threatining bugs at the shows. Everybody is like "What's that?". I say ,"A millipied, do you want to hold it?" "No." but then a kid will say, "YES!!!" After their kid holds it usually the parents will to. The most commanly asked question is, "Is it posionous?" Ok first off would I be holding it.........No. Would I let your kid hold it........no. And shouldn't that question be asked before your kid has it crawling on his/her hand? Some people....:D

[Yve]

everyone that i have talked to about these millis says they're not aggressive and i agree but they do bite.....you can barely feel it but i noticed a pinching sensation when i was holding one and noticed its mandibles grabbing at my skin!....talk about a weak bite! It tickled!lol

[FrankQC]

Babies are often in adults' (females of course) dung. It gives them protection, they're in a cell. If you want to have babies, keep the substrate, I know people that didn't change substrate for 3 years and their millipedes are fine. They like to be in that environment.

Millipedes can secrete a defencive substance (mostly composed of hydrogen cianide), which stain skin (and clothes!) and hurt alot if in the eyes, it does something when it goes in the mouth but don't count on me to try and tell you what it does ;) It is better to wash your hands after handling a millipede, and they do bite, as they try to eat whatever they see. It sometimes does nothing, sometimes it hurts a bit, when they get a good portion of skin to bite.



Frank