{"product_id":"pink-dragon-millipede-desmoxytes-planata","title":"Pink Dragon Millipede (Desmoxytes Planata)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pink Dragon Millipede is one of the most visually distinctive millipedes in the hobby — vivid pink colouration paired with a spiny, draconic body shape that looks almost prehistoric. \u003cem\u003eDesmoxytes planata\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to a genus of Southeast Asian millipedes famous for their striking appearance and equally striking chemical defences. This is a species for keepers who want something genuinely unusual, not a beginner's first millipede.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Glimpse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDesmoxytes planata\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink Dragon Millipede, Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paradoxosomatidae (Order Polydesmida)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southeast Asia — native to Thailand, Vietnam, and surrounding regions. Has been recorded from Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, Seychelles, Java, and Fiji due to human-assisted dispersal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3 cm (30 mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to Hard — the care itself isn't complicated, but the cyanide defence makes them a non-beginner species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e High — 70–90%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–2 years typical for Polydesmida species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDefence mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces hydrogen cyanide (see safety section below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e⚠️ Issues on the Current Page\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few corrections worth flagging before we go further — these are mistakes on the current listing that should be updated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin is wrong.\u003c\/strong\u003e Current page shows \"Ghana \/ Nigeria (West Africa)\" — this is copied from the Chocolate Millipede listing. \u003cem\u003eDesmoxytes planata\u003c\/em\u003e is a Southeast Asian species native to Thailand and Vietnam, not West Africa. This needs correcting in the care icons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize is dramatically wrong.\u003c\/strong\u003e Current page shows \"200–260 mm\" — also copied from the Chocolate Millipede (which is a giant species). Pink Dragon Millipedes are tiny: approximately 30 mm (3 cm) as adults. Two orders of magnitude out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty is wrong.\u003c\/strong\u003e Current page shows \"Easy\" — these are not easy millipedes. They produce hydrogen cyanide, need tropical conditions, and have short lifespans. More accurate would be Medium-Hard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRarity is debatable.\u003c\/strong\u003e \"Common\" is generous. They're not frequently available in the UK hobby and are more accurately rated Uncommon to Rare.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe temperature (24–28°C) and humidity (60–80%) on the care icons are in the right range, though humidity should probably be higher — 70–90% is typical for this species in the wild and in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Pink Dragon Look\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDesmoxytes planata\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the \"dragon millipede\" genus, named for the distinctive body shape: each body segment has lateral extensions (paranota) that project outwards and angle upwards, giving the animal a spiny, winged, almost Chinese-dragon silhouette. Combined with the vivid pink to purple-pink colouration, the effect is striking. They look more like ornate jewellery or fantasy creatures than typical millipedes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bright pink is aposematic — warning colouration telling potential predators that the animal is toxic. In the wild, Pink Dragons often rest openly on vegetation and leaf litter during the day, something most millipedes wouldn't dare do. Their chemistry is sufficient protection that they don't need to hide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a small millipede (adults top out around 3 cm), they have enormous visual impact. In a well-lit display enclosure, they're one of the most photogenic inverts in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e⚠️ Hydrogen Cyanide Defence — Read This Before Buying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most important thing to understand about Pink Dragon Millipedes. Like all species in Order Polydesmida, they produce \u003cstrong\u003ehydrogen cyanide\u003c\/strong\u003e from defensive glands along their body when threatened or stressed. You'll often smell it — the distinctive almond-like odour is a telltale sign they've released their defence compounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat this means in practice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDon't handle them with bare hands.\u003c\/strong\u003e The cyanide secretion can cause skin irritation, and you shouldn't be exposing your skin to a cyanide-producing animal regardless. Use soft tweezers or a paintbrush if you need to move them, or tip them gently into a container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDon't keep them in sealed containers.\u003c\/strong\u003e In a fully enclosed space with poor ventilation, a stressed colony could theoretically build up cyanide concentrations to levels that harm other small invertebrates in the enclosure. Proper ventilation isn't just husbandry — it's a safety measure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWash hands after any contact\u003c\/strong\u003e with the enclosure, substrate, or animals. Don't touch your face, eyes, or mouth until you have.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable around children\u003c\/strong\u003e who might handle them. These aren't a pet to pass around for casual handling. They're a display species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDon't keep with other invertebrates.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed species enclosures are a bad idea with any millipede, but particularly with Polydesmida. The cyanide secretion can harm tankmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone of this makes Pink Dragons dangerous pets for responsible keepers — the amount of cyanide produced is small and the risks to humans from casual contact are minimal. But it does mean they're not an impulse buy or a species for beginners who might not understand the implications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnclosure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-ventilated tropical enclosure is essential. Good airflow prevents cyanide buildup (see safety section above) and also prevents the mould and stagnant-air issues that plague poorly-ventilated humid setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum enclosure size for a group of 5–10 is around 15–20 litres. They don't need enormous space, but they do benefit from horizontal surface area where they can forage across leaf litter. A standard glass terrarium or plastic tub with a well-ventilated lid works fine. Use cross-ventilation — vents on opposite sides — rather than a single vent area, to keep air moving through the enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e has suitable air vents for building properly ventilated tropical setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink Dragons need a deep, moist, organic substrate — their entire life revolves around decomposing leaf litter and rotting wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic topsoil (pesticide-free) mixed with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003eflake soil\u003c\/a\u003e for nutrition. Aim for a depth of 5–8 cm. The substrate should hold together when squeezed but not drip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMiddle layer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pieces of rotting white hardwood and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kinshi-made-with-lions-mane-mushroom\"\u003ekinshi\u003c\/a\u003e. As a Polydesmida species, \u003cem\u003eD. planata\u003c\/em\u003e feeds heavily on decomposed wood broken down by fungi — kinshi is biologically ideal for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop layer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generous leaf litter covering the entire substrate surface. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003eMagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e provide long-lasting cover and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003ebamboo leaf litter\u003c\/a\u003e adds structural variety while keeping the layer airy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the substrate consistently damp, not waterlogged. Mist regularly to maintain humidity at 70–90%. The deep substrate should hold moisture well between mistings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C is the target range. Room temperature in most UK homes during summer will be suitable, but during winter you'll likely need supplementary heat. A low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure (not underneath, to avoid drying the substrate) paired with a thermostat is the standard approach. Don't let temperatures drop below 22°C consistently — Pink Dragons are genuinely tropical and don't tolerate cool conditions well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary diet is decaying leaf litter and rotting hardwood. Always have both available in the enclosure. Supplementary foods can include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThin slices of fruit and vegetables (cucumber, courgette, sweet potato) — offered sparingly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish flakes or dried shrimp as occasional protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e for calcium — important for healthy moulting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003eLimestone\u003c\/a\u003e pieces as a passive calcium source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten fresh food after 24–48 hours. Protein and fresh produce spoil quickly in high-humidity tropical setups and can cause mould and mite issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding \u003cem\u003eDesmoxytes planata\u003c\/em\u003e in captivity is possible but not always straightforward. Females lay eggs in the substrate, and hatchling millipedes are tiny and hard to spot. Adults have relatively short lifespans (1–2 years), which means successful breeding is essential for maintaining a colony long-term. The good news is that Pink Dragons don't seem to have the complex breeding requirements some tropical millipedes do — consistent conditions and good food quality tend to produce offspring if you have both sexes present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with a group of 5–10 to maximise the chance of having both sexes. Sexing individual Pink Dragons isn't practical for most keepers, so colony purchases are the reliable approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompared to Other Millipedes We Stock\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're deciding between millipede species, here's how Pink Dragons compare:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/african-giant-chocolate-millipede-ophistreptus-guineensis\"\u003eChocolate Millipede\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ghana-speckled-leg-millipede-telodeinopus-aoutii\"\u003eGhana Speckled Leg\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Completely different category. The African giants are long-lived (7–10 years), large (20+ cm), and don't produce significant cyanide defences. They're better first millipedes for most keepers. Pink Dragons are small, short-lived, visually stunning, and chemically defended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-fire-millipede\"\u003eRed Fire Millipede\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/amber-millipede\"\u003eAmber Millipede\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e The brightly-coloured Spirobolida species are also aposematic but much less chemically potent. Pink Dragons produce more concentrated cyanide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/thai-rainbow-millipede\"\u003eThai Rainbow Millipede\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai Rainbows are also Southeast Asian Polydesmida — similar cyanide defence, similar care requirements. If you want another dragon-style millipede with different colouration, Thai Rainbow is a logical companion choice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/polydesmus-tiny-millipede\"\u003eTiny Polydesmus Millipede\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Same order (Polydesmida), same cyanide chemistry, much smaller size. Polydesmus are a good way to get experience with Polydesmida-family care before committing to Pink Dragons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipede collection\u003c\/a\u003e for all species currently available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA proper Pink Dragon setup uses:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood substrate base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kinshi-made-with-lions-mane-mushroom\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinshi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — mushroom mycelium substrate, biologically appropriate for Polydesmida\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — long-lasting leaf litter cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — structural leaf layer with airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — essential calcium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — passive calcium and habitat enrichment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — cleanup crew for mould and frass (Note: springtails handle the cyanide issue fine; avoid adding isopods due to the chemical defence concern)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosures \u0026amp; Air Vents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — cross-ventilation is essential for this species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on the genus and wider millipede keeping, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipedes for sale\u003c\/a\u003e collection or see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003esetup guide\u003c\/a\u003e for tropical invertebrate enclosures.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":57278658740606,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"5","offer_id":57278658773374,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10","offer_id":57278658806142,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/pink-dragon-millipede-desmoxytes-planata-2416182.jpg?v=1776636973","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/pink-dragon-millipede-desmoxytes-planata","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}