Paraspirobolus lucifugus

Note: Glows blue with UV light

Paraspirobolus lucifugus "Seychelles"

Paraspirobolus lucifugus is a small spirobolid millipede that most likely originates from the islands of the Indian Ocean, such as the Seychelles and Mauritius. Over time it has spread to tropical islands across Africa, Asia, and South America, and it is also found in heated tropical greenhouses in Europe. True to its name, which means "light-shunning", it spends most of its time hidden in the substrate. It is appreciated for its compact size, glossy, finely ringed body, and peaceful nature, making it a charming addition to any collection of miniature diplopods.

These millipedes are small, hardy, and easy to maintain, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced keepers interested in microfauna. They also work well as a cleanup crew in bioactive tropical setups.

Environment: Tropical microhabitat with a deep, moist substrate, plenty of leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, and bark hides
Humidity: High; keep the substrate evenly moist with occasional light misting, while providing good ventilation
Diet: Decaying leaves and wood, soft fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich sources such as cuttlebone
Behavior: Shy and mostly fossorial; avoids light and prefers undisturbed environments with stable humidity
Temperature: 22–28 °C