Mozambique Red Fire Millipede (Centrobolus splendidus)

A streak of fire-red across the forest floor

Centrobolus splendidus, the Mozambique Red Fire Millipede, is a vivid red-orange tropical species from southeastern Africa, and in a dark, planted bioactive enclosure it absolutely pops: a living ember winding through the leaf litter. Active, hardy, and one of the more striking colors in the millipede world.

Like all millipedes it is completely harmless and peaceful, a tireless composter that turns oak leaf litter and decaying hardwood into both shelter and food, and these are captive-bred for clean, parasite-free starter colonies. Keep it humid and well-planted, give it company, and it will quietly establish and brighten the whole setup. Showpiece color, beginner-easy care.

The numbers live in the care guide. Enclosure size, temps, humidity, feeding schedule, premolt signs, handling boundaries: it's all in the care guide for this exact fella. Start with the full Advanced guide, or click for the quick Open the Simple version →