A small, striking tropical millipede originating from the volcanic forests of Maui, Hawaii, known for its bold striping and gentle temperament. This species thrives in moist, organic‑rich habitats and makes an excellent addition to bioactive setups.
 
Appearance
Spirobolellus sp. “Maui” typically displays:
Dark brown to black base colour
Yellow, tan, or cream longitudinal striping
Glossy cylindrical body
Adult size around 1 inch (2.5 cm)
 
Temperament & Behaviour
Very docile and peaceful
Primarily nocturnal
Excellent detritivore, feeding on leaf litter and decaying wood
Suitable for communal keeping when food is abundant
 
Care Requirements
Temperature
Ideal range: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
 
Humidity
Moderate to high humidity required
Target zone: 70–90% RH
 
Substrate
A deep, edible, moisture‑retentive substrate is essential:
Leaf litter
Rotting wood
Organic soil with no additives
Moss for humidity gradients These materials replicate Maui’s forest floor, where decaying vegetation forms their natural habitat.
 
Enclosure
Small tropical communal setup
Fine ventilation
Minimum size: 6‑quart enclosure works well for groups
Keep substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged (avoid sour anaerobic breakdown)
 
Feeding
Leaf litter
Decaying wood
Small pieces of vegetables (avoid over‑wet veg to prevent mould)
Benefit from added calcium sources such as cuttlebone during moulting (they consume their shed exoskeleton)
 
Special Notes
Sensitive to drying — stable moisture is more important than large space
UV‑fluorescent under blacklight
Excellent for bioactive terrariums due to strong detritivore activity