Oxidus gracilis
Greenhouse millipede
Small dark millipede common in gardens and greenhouses — useful burrowing detritivore when correctly identified.
Family Paradoxosomatidae; native to East Asia, now cosmopolitan in disturbed humid habitats including UK greenhouses. Typically about 8–25 mm. Feeds mainly on decaying matter rather than healthy leaves when well fed. Do not confuse with ivory millipedes (Chicobolus spinigerus and similar), which are large pet millipedes inappropriate for beginner plant jars. Hobby pages disagree on air RH — treat as a humidity-loving detritivore with damp burrowing medium; do not run arid. Confirm Oxidus gracilis before purchase; trade labels are muddled.
Diet: Decaying plant matter, fungi, soft organics as primary; substrate is food. Occasional veg; calcium important for moults.
Care tips
- Deep, nutritious, lightly damp substrate with leaf litter and rotting hardwood logic.
- Secure lid — small millipedes escape gaps.
- Permanent calcium source; avoid bone-dry food.
- Quarantine any wild-caught animals; prefer reputable captive sources.
- Pair with springtails; compatible with many isopods when climates match.
Cautions
- Identity uncertainty in trade: ivory, greenhouse, and generic small millipede labels are muddled.
- RH figures conflict across sources — if animals climb glass seeking moisture or stop feeding, raise substrate moisture carefully.
- Overpopulation / hunger: may sample soft seedlings if litter is scarce.
- Some millipedes release defensive secretions — wash hands; keep away from eyes/mouth.
- Not suitable for nano bottles.