Posted by Jason M on April 12, 2003 at 21:51:10:
In Reply to: Giant Flat Tarzanian Millipedes posted by robtszymanski on April 11, 2003 at 03:35:27:
:Does anyone here in the ole US of A have any Giant Flat Tarzanain Millipedes they wanna trade or sell? I'm also interested in obtaining some gaint african pill bugs known as GREEN EYED MONSTERS for my new (rather used 55 gallon) tank! I don't want to spend $15-20 a piece for them. I think thats a ridiculous price! any responses welcome robt szymanski..
First, do not think I am not encouraging you to participate further in millipede care. I have read enough of your thread additions to know you are a very enthusatic and knowledgeable keeper. I must warn you though, there are NO confirmed reports of Green Madagascar pill millipedes living longer than 10 months in captivity. THEY ALWAYS DIE! They will eat and act normally till they grow spots and then surely die. I did not belive this either and successuflly killed four wonedful specimens. They were all over two inches long and quite heavy upon arrival. ALL dead within 6 months.
As far as the Giant African Flat you speak of I have kept them with some success but it is my obsevation that upon reaching sexual maturity and mating the males die. It is mostly sad because this is what you want to happen if there is breeding to occour. So you have to get sort of large numbers to assure your stock. I haven't seen babies, have lost some males, but most stay underground. I have seen in this fourm pictuers of successful breeding of the species. So all I can say is I'm hopeful.
This letter was not to be discouraging in any way I just do not want you to contribute to the mistake we all made thinking we would be the one to figure it out. The giant green pills will die , I cannot stress this enough. I think the price they are asking is very normal for what your'e asking for. Please don't get them.
