Polydesmida - Flat-backed Millipedes: Coromus vittatus vittatus - Marzipan flat-back millipede

HOUSING

Needs a small vivarium at least 20cm x 20cm x 20cm, with at least 10cm of moist to the touch substrate. Must have cross ventilation to avoid any mould build up. Provide rotting logs for diet.

SUBSTRATE

Substrate can be made by combining the following.
50% humus :
This is the top 1" or so of humus found under a deciduous tree, and is basically a layer of sediment created from broken down leaves from several years ago mulched into a thick layer of humus. You can collect this from your local woods....under no circumstances can you use anything from pine trees.
20% last years leaves :
This is the fallen leaves from last year which are brown and part broken down.
20% shredded decaying wood
Use deciduous wood that crumbles easily between your fingers.
5% Playpit sand or bird grit/sand
ordinary shop bought play pit sand from any decent hardware store (DO NOT use builders sand), or grit/sand sold for use with pet birds.
5% ground cuttlefish bone or powdered garden limestone
either shred a cuttlefish bone with a sharp knife, or buy ground limestone which you can find in any large garden centre.
Mix all the ingredients together in the quantities suggested and then you have your substrate mix.
Lay about 7 to 8 cm of the mix in the bottom of the vivarium and tamp it down so that it is a little compacted, the make up to 10 to 12 cm with the rest of the mix, lightly tamped down

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

Ambient temperature of 22 to 24 degrees.
DO NOT use heat mats under the substrate under any circumstances.
Relative humidity 70 to 80 degrees.

FEEDING

The millipede will feed on the constituents of the substrate and rotting wood which must be provided at all times.

REPRODUCTION

Flat millipedes are difficult to breed in captivity.