The numbers
Enclosure
40 × 30 × 30 cm
Diet
Decaying wood, bark, leaves, fruit; occasional protein · Veg/fruit 2–3x/week; leaf litter always
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75–85%
Identity
Order / Family
Spirobolida
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Common in SEA; popular colourful species
Adult size
8–12 cm
Lifespan
5–8 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Detritivore, nocturnal burrower/climber
Temperament
Docile, non-aggressive
Venom / defense
Harmless; secretes irritant defensive fluid — wash hands, avoid eyes
Price (THB)
150–500
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75–85%
Min. enclosure
40x30x30 cm for a small group
Substrate
8–10 cm coco fibre + rotting wood + leaf litter
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter, moss; water dish
Diet
Staple food
Decaying wood, bark, leaves, fruit; occasional protein
Feeding frequency
Veg/fruit 2–3x/week; leaf litter always
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium always available
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Gentle, brief only; wash hands after, avoid eyes
Communal
Yes – communal, colony-friendly
Defense / stress signs
Coiling, mild fluid secretion
Reproduction
Reproduction
Lays eggs in substrate; breeds in good colonies
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsDehydration, low-calcium molt issues, mites
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine imports; ensure rotting wood present
Good to know
- Colours range from ruby red to bright yellow banding — hence 'rainbow'.
Others in this group
Giant African MillipedeArchispirostreptus gigasThai/Vietnamese Giant Centipede (Yellow-leg / Cherry)Scolopendra dehaaniVietnamese / Asian Giant CentipedeScolopendra subspinipesVietnam Giant MillipedeVietnam Giant millipedeAmazonian Giant CentipedeScolopendra giganteaTanzanian Red-headed / Tiger CentipedeScolopendra morsitansBumblebee MillipedeAnadenobolus monilicornisRusty / Scarlet Asian MillipedeTrigoniulus corallinus