Spirobolellus sp. "Maui" (Hawaiian Glow Millipede) is a small millipede from Hawaii that fluoresces bright blue-green under UV light. This isn't bioluminescence—they don't glow on their own in the dark—but when you shine a UV torch on them, they light up like tiny neon signs. Under normal lighting they're attractively patterned in black and white stripes, earning them the alternative name "Hawaiian Striped Millipede" or "Maui Skunk Stripe." They're small, easy to keep, and breed readily in captivity, making them a good choice for keepers wanting something a bit unusual.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Hawaii (Maui)
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Scientific Name: Spirobolellus sp. "Maui" (possibly Spirobolellus immigrans)
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Common Names: Hawaiian Glow Millipede, Hawaiian Striped Millipede, Maui Skunk Stripe Millipede
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Maintenance required: Low
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Average Size: 1.5-2.5cm (approximately 1 inch)
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Rarity: Uncommon in the UK hobby
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Temperature: 21-29°C (70-85°F)
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Ventilation: Low
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Humidity: 70-85%
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Favorite food: Decaying wood, leaf litter, substrate
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Supplements: Calcium, protein (fish flakes), occasional vegetables
Hawaiian Glow Millipede: Introduction
The main attraction here is the UV fluorescence. When exposed to ultraviolet light, these millipedes emit a bright blue-green glow. The fluorescence comes from compounds in their exoskeleton—many millipedes share this trait to varying degrees, but this species shows it particularly well. A cheap UV torch is all you need to see the effect.
In normal light, they're black and white striped—a clean, attractive pattern that makes them easy to spot against dark substrate. The contrast between their unassuming daytime appearance and their glowing nighttime look is part of the appeal.
These millipedes originate from Hawaii, with the captive stock coming from Maui. They're a small species—adults reach about 2.5cm (roughly an inch)—so they don't need large enclosures and work well in smaller vivariums or terrariums. They're also described as prolific breeders, so starting with a small group can lead to a self-sustaining colony.
Hawaiian Glow Millipede: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach approximately 2-2.5cm (around 1 inch) in length
- Cylindrical, segmented body typical of round millipedes (order Spirobolida)
- Black and white striped pattern along the body segments
- Multiple leg pairs along body length
- Fluoresces bright blue-green under UV light
- Antennae for environmental sensing
- Smooth, rounded body profile
The UV fluorescence is the standout feature. The glow is brightest on the legs and body segments. Under normal lighting, the black and white striping gives them a zebra-like appearance—attractive in its own right.
Behaviour
Hawaiian Glow Millipedes behave like most small millipedes.
Activity patterns: Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They're more active in evening and night hours, which happens to be ideal for UV viewing sessions.
Movement: Slow and deliberate. They're not escape artists but will explore their enclosure methodically.
Burrowing: They spend time beneath the substrate surface and in gaps between layers of decaying wood. Providing adequate substrate depth and rotting hardwood gives them places to retreat.
Defensive behaviour: When disturbed, they curl into a spiral and may secrete defensive compounds. These secretions can leave yellow-orange stains on skin and have an unpleasant odour. Wash hands after handling or wear gloves.
Social behaviour: Peaceful. Groups coexist without aggression and can be kept communally.
Hiding: They favour gaps between bark and wood, burrowing into substrate, and hiding under leaf litter during inactive periods.
Diet
Hawaiian Glow Millipedes are detritivores that get most of their nutrition from their substrate.
Primary foods:
- Decaying hardwood (oak, beech)
- Decomposed leaf litter
- Substrate itself (which should contain rotted organic matter)
Supplementary foods:
- Fish flakes or pellets (protein source)
- Soft vegetables (courgette, carrot, cucumber)
- Soft fruits in moderation
- Moss
Calcium: Provide cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, or calcium powder. Like other arthropods, they need calcium for exoskeleton health.
Feeding approach: Most of their nutrition comes from the substrate and decaying wood—this is their main food source rather than supplementary items. Keep the enclosure stocked with rotting hardwood and leaf litter. Offer protein supplements weekly and vegetables occasionally. Remove uneaten fresh foods before they mould.
Hawaiian Glow Millipede: Breeding
These millipedes breed readily in captivity and are described as prolific when conditions are right.
Breeding basics:
- Provide stable, warm conditions (24-26°C optimal)
- Maintain high humidity (70-85%)
- Adequate substrate depth for egg-laying
- Plentiful food sources (decaying wood, leaves)
Development: One keeper reported going from 6 individuals to 25 in 3.5 months, indicating quick reproduction under good conditions. Offspring start small and gain segments with each moult.
Tips: Maintain stable conditions and plenty of decaying organic matter. Given their prolific nature, population growth can be fairly rapid once established. The small adult size means even a modestly-sized enclosure can support a good-sized colony.
Hawaiian Glow Millipede: Habitat Setup
Their small size and forgiving nature make setup straightforward.
Enclosure: Small to medium containers work well. Plastic tubs with limited ventilation suit them—they need humidity retention. Their 2.5cm adult size means they don't need large spaces. A group of 10-15 can live comfortably in a 20x20x20cm enclosure.
Substrate: The substrate is their primary food source, so quality matters. Use a mix containing:
- Decomposed hardwood (oak, beech—rotted and crushed)
- Decomposed leaf litter
- Forest humus
- Sphagnum moss for moisture retention
Avoid substrates based primarily on topsoil or peat without rotted wood and leaves—these lack the nutrition millipedes need. The substrate should be moist to the touch but not waterlogged.
Depth of 8-10cm allows burrowing and egg-laying.
Humidity: 70-85%—they appreciate moist conditions:
- Keep substrate consistently moist
- Mist regularly
- Sphagnum moss patches retain moisture
- Limited ventilation maintains humidity
Ventilation: Low. These prefer humid conditions, so excessive airflow works against them. A few small holes in the lid or minimal screen area is sufficient. If substrate dries out within a few days, reduce ventilation.
Temperature: 21-29°C (70-85°F). Room temperature in UK homes works well. Some sources suggest 24-26°C (76-78°F) as optimal. They don't need supplemental heating in most homes.
Décor and hides:
- Pieces of rotting hardwood with bark attached
- They particularly enjoy hiding between wood and its peeling bark
- Leaf litter on the surface
- Cork bark pieces
- Moss patches
UV lighting: A UV torch for viewing—not for permanent lighting. The fluorescence is purely for your entertainment; the millipedes don't benefit from or need UV exposure. Keep viewing sessions brief.
Bioactive Use
These millipedes work well in bioactive setups.
Good applications:
- Tropical bioactive enclosures
- High-humidity vivariums
- Cleanup crews alongside isopods and springtails
- Display terrariums (especially if you enjoy UV viewing)
One seller notes they're "perfect for eating mould in terrariums alongside isopods and springtails"—they contribute to the decomposer community.
Considerations:
- Small size makes them vulnerable to predation by larger inhabitants
- Need consistent moisture—not suited to arid setups
- Most visible at night or under UV light
Tank Mates
They're peaceful and coexist well with appropriate companions.
Compatible:
- Isopods
- Springtails
- Other small, peaceful millipedes
- Small snails
Caution:
- Larger predatory invertebrates may eat them
- Many reptiles and amphibians will prey on them (acceptable if intended as food, problematic if you want a permanent population)
Their small size is the main consideration—they're potential prey for anything large enough to eat them.
Suitability
Hawaiian Glow Millipedes suit keepers looking for easy, interesting invertebrates with a visual gimmick.
Good choice for:
- Beginners wanting something beyond standard cleanup crews
- Anyone interested in UV-reactive invertebrates
- Keepers with smaller enclosures
- Those wanting low-maintenance species
- People who enjoy showing off their invertebrates (the UV effect impresses visitors)
Less suited for:
- Arid or low-humidity setups
- Enclosures with predators
- Those wanting large, impressive millipede species
Care level: Easy. They're forgiving, breed readily, and don't demand precise conditions. Keep them moist, provide decaying wood and leaves, maintain warmth, and they'll thrive. One of the easier millipede species to keep successfully.
Value: At £6 each (with bulk pricing available), they're affordable. The UV fluorescence adds novelty that you don't get from most invertebrates at this price. Buying several to start a breeding group makes sense given their prolific nature.
What to expect: Expect small, peaceful millipedes that spend much of their time hidden in substrate and rotting wood. Expect the UV effect to genuinely impress—it's striking. Expect easy care and, given time, population growth. Don't expect daytime visibility or large specimens. Their appeal lies in their fluorescence, their attractive striping, their easy breeding, and their low-maintenance requirements. At this price point, they're worth a try for anyone curious about keeping millipedes.
