Thai Ruby Banded Millipede (Thyropygus sp.)

A properly striking giant millipede from Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asia, the Thai Ruby Banded Millipede combines an impressive dark cylindrical body with bright red bands, legs, and antennae. Adults reach 12-18cm in length, making them one of the more dramatic millipede options available in the UK hobby. They're members of the Spirostreptidae family — the giant millipedes — and share the characteristic slow, deliberate movement and gentle nature of the group.

What You're Getting

• Species — Thyropygus sp. (specific species varies by import)
• Origin — Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asian forests
• Adult size — 12-18cm typical, some specimens slightly larger
• Appearance — dark glossy body with prominent red bands, red legs and antennae
• Lifespan — properly long-lived, typically 5-7 years in captivity
• Behaviour — calm, slow-moving, primarily nocturnal
• Difficulty level — intermediate; not as forgiving as common isopods but accessible for keepers with bioactive experience

Husbandry Essentials

Enclosure

• Size — minimum 30L for a small group; larger preferred
• Orientation — primarily floor space rather than height
• Ventilation — moderate; balance humidity retention with airflow
• Lid — secure but ventilated

Substrate

Deep substrate is properly critical for these burrowing millipedes:

• Depth — minimum 10-15cm; deeper if possible
• Composition — coconut fibre or peat-free compost mixed with decaying hardwood pieces
• Topping — generous layer of oak, beech, or magnolia leaf litter
• Calcium — cuttlebone or crushed shells always available
• Decaying wood — properly essential dietary component

Browse our accessories collection for leaf litter, decaying wood, cuttlebone, and substrate components.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature — 22-26°C ideal; tolerates 20-28°C
• Humidity — 70-85% with proper ventilation
• Maintenance — mist regularly, ensure substrate stays moist but not waterlogged

UK keepers will typically need supplemental heating during winter months — a heat mat with thermostat works well, positioned to one side of the enclosure to create a gradient.

Diet

Thai Ruby Banded Millipedes are properly detritivores:

• Staple — decaying hardwood and leaf litter (the foundation of their diet)
• Vegetables — cucumber, sweet potato, carrot, leafy greens (offered in moderation)
• Fruit — occasional banana, apple, melon
• Calcium — cuttlebone, crushed eggshell, calcium-rich substrate additions
• Avoid — citrus, anything with pesticides, processed foods

Remove uneaten fresh food within 24-48 hours to prevent mould.

Important Safety Notes

Defensive Chemistry

Like most Spirostreptidae millipedes, Thai Ruby Banded Millipedes secrete defensive chemicals (benzoquinones) when stressed or threatened. Properly worth knowing:

• The secretion can stain skin temporarily (typically brown/purple)
• It can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling
• Never rub eyes or face after contact
• Keep handling brief and gentle to minimise stress

Pesticide Sensitivity

Millipedes are properly extremely sensitive to pesticides — far more than isopods. Properly critical:

• Use only organic, pesticide-free leaf litter and wood
• Avoid garden centre plants treated with systemic insecticides
• Keep enclosure away from rooms where insecticide sprays are used
• Never use flea treatments on pets in the same room

Bioactive Setup Compatibility

Thai Ruby Banded Millipedes work well in bioactive setups alongside other detritivores:

• Isopods — most species coexist peacefully; tropical isopods share similar climate needs. Browse our isopods collection
• Springtails — proper bioactive partners that complement millipede activity. Browse our springtails collection
• Other millipedes — typically peaceful with conspecifics and other species

Properly worth being aware that millipedes will sometimes eat eggs or very small mancae from isopod colonies, though established colonies typically outpace any predation.

Handling

Properly minimal handling is best for these millipedes:

• Allow them to walk across your hand rather than picking them up
• Never grip the body — risk of damage
• Keep handling sessions brief
• Wash hands thoroughly afterwards
• Avoid handling during or after moulting (vulnerable period)

Live Arrival

All our millipedes are shipped with proper packaging and our standard live arrival guarantee. Browse our wider millipedes collection for other available species.