Black Millipedes

[Reptile4life]

I recently saw a post on black millipedes and how they have mites. I checked 3 of them out at my local store and I looked at the mites. They are very visible and if they were to harm the gecko I think it might eat them. I would like some more information on them if anyone has any.

[joeyburger16]

Here is an old post about millipedes and mites.

http://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/...ighlight=mites

Hope that helps

[AneesasMuse]

I have one of those giant millipedes and it hasn't been eaten by anyone yet. It also has those mites on it, but I think they serve as a similar thing like "cleaner fish" on whales and sharks, etc. None of my Cresteds have mites as a result of cohabiting with the millipede.

Hamam, the millie, does share the fruit with his roommate, though And he likes the occasional collard, turnip, dandelion, etc. (I give him greens about 4-5 days a week and fruit whenever the gecko has some )

[crested_beardies]

I have two millipedes in two seperate cages, one with my boys that actually doesn't have mites (her name is mildred) and one that I have hesitated to put with another one of my males because it has the mites (milfred). From what I have read so far, the mites seems to be fine, the geckos don't seem to eat them and they are not going to get on the geckos because many mites are species specific

[Reptile4life]

I am going to get a millipede as soon as I get some money!!!

Yes the millipedes mites are symbiotic they clean the dead skin and stuff that the millipede cant reach.

[Tokays_Unlimited]

Yup all they are are hosts that will stay on the Millipede.I beleive Dr.alan has a pretty good pic or 2 of the actuall host parasites on a Millipede.

[Reptile4life]

You can see em crawling all over the millipede.

[Tokays_Unlimited]

Here are a few pics of 1 of mine.

[bludaffodils]

This is a very interesting and exciting concept. I would like more information. Aren't giant black millipedes from Africa and Cresties from New Caladonia, off of Australia? Would putting the two species together really work out well? Also, does the millpede and crestie ever interact? Do they both burrow and run into each other? Does the millipede ever walk over top of the crestie? I know the millipedes have kind of sharp legs they use for climbing- you can feel it when you hold them. I would assume this on the skin of the crestie would be an unnecessary stress for the crestie. Has anyone ever witnessed their interaction? Thanks Very fascinating idea!!

[Tokays_Unlimited]

This is a very interesting and exciting concept. I would like more information. Aren't giant black millipedes from Africa and Cresties from New Caladonia, off of Australia? Would putting the two species together really work out well? Also, does the millpede and crestie ever interact? Do they both burrow and run into each other? Does the millipede ever walk over top of the crestie? I know the millipedes have kind of sharp legs they use for climbing- you can feel it when you hold them. I would assume this on the skin of the crestie would be an unnecessary stress for the crestie. Has anyone ever witnessed their interaction? Thanks Very fascinating idea!!

Well seeing as they basically have the same care,then it is not a problem.i have kept as few in with Gekko vittatus unclosures without any problems at all.Only thing that would be of concern is if the Millipede gets newvous and secretes (wich i have not seen to many do so).
But i know there are alot of people out there that keep them in vivariums with other herps and have done so with years and no problems.Pretty sure Alan does also.