Millipedes For Sale UK

Millipedes are one of the more underrated corners of the invertebrate hobby. They're quiet, they don't bite, they're fascinating to watch, and most species are genuinely straightforward to care for once you understand the basics. Every millipede on this page is captive-bred where stated, shipped with our live arrival guarantee and a 20% overcount, and backed by species-specific care guidance.

The one thing that catches new keepers out is substrate. A millipede's substrate is its main food source, not just something to walk on - so getting it right matters more than almost anything else. If you're new to the hobby, our millipede substrate guide and our overview of what millipedes eat are the two things worth reading before you buy.

Best millipedes for beginners

If you're just starting out, hardy species are forgiving, active, and breed well without demanding precise conditions. The Ivory Millipede, Ghana Olive (Telodeinopus aoutii), and African Olive are all excellent first millipedes. Our full guide to the best millipedes for beginners in the UK walks through what makes each one easy to keep.

Display and specialist species

If you've got some experience and want something with more visual impact, species like the Spotted Fire, Amber, and the UV-reactive Hawaiian Glow are well worth a look - just be aware each has its own quirks around diet and humidity. The Hawaiian Glow in particular is one of the most striking inverts we stock; there's more on why it fluoresces under UV in our Hawaiian Glow feature. Not sure which to pick, or want a surprise? Our Millipede Mystery Box is a good-value way to start a collection.

Getting the setup right

Millipedes also make excellent bioactive enclosure inhabitants, working alongside a cleanup crew of isopods and springtails to break down organic waste and aerate the substrate - more on that in our guide to keeping millipedes and isopods together. Whichever species you go for, getting the substrate and calcium right is the foundation of success. Browse our accessories range for leaf litter, rotting hardwood, cuttlebone, and the other components that make up a good millipede setup.

Everything ships via Royal Mail's next-day-by-1pm service (Monday to Thursday) with our live arrival guarantee and 20% overcount. Stock changes regularly, so if something's showing as sold out it's worth checking back or getting in touch - we may have more coming through soon. For other species beyond millipedes, have a look at our wider other inverts collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are millipedes good pets?
Yes - they're among the most low-maintenance pets you can keep. They're silent, odourless, don't bite, take up little space, and some species live five years or more. They ask for a stable, humid enclosure with the right substrate and a calcium source, and very little day-to-day attention beyond that.

What do millipedes eat?
Mostly decaying hardwood and leaf litter, which is why their substrate has to be edible rather than inert. They'll also take the occasional soft vegetable and need a permanent calcium source (like cuttlebone) for their exoskeleton. Our millipede diet guide covers this in full.

Do millipedes bite or sting?
No. Millipedes have no bite and no sting - they're completely harmless to handle. As a defence, many species can secrete a mild fluid that can stain skin or irritate eyes, so it's sensible to wash your hands after handling and avoid touching your face, but there's nothing dangerous about them.

How big do millipedes get?
It depends entirely on the species. The African Giant is the largest commonly kept, reaching around 25cm, while many display and beginner species stay in the 5-15cm range. Each product page lists the expected adult size.

Why is my millipede buried and not moving?
Usually nothing to worry about - millipedes burrow to moult, and they can stay hidden for days or weeks while they do. Disturbing a moulting millipede can harm it, so it's best left alone. Our guide to millipede moulting explains what's happening, and if breeding is your goal, why millipedes won't breed covers the common causes.