Doratogonus sp. "Stripe" (also known as the Striped Songololo) is a gentle, medium-to-large millipede species originating from South Africa. Known for its calm temperament, it is frequently recommended as an ideal "first invertebrate" for new keepers. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: It features a dark body with thin, light-coloured banding across its segments. These bands are often so fine that they almost appear to disappear when the millipede is in motion.
Size: Adults typically reach a length of approximately 10cm.
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 7–10 years.
Defence: Like most Doratogonus species, it possesses a telson spike at its rear, though it is considered harmless and easy to handle. 
 
Habitat & Care Requirements
According to expert guides from The Spider Shop and Invertebrate Supplies, successful keeping requires:
Temperature: Maintain between 20–24°C.
Humidity: Keep levels at 70–80%. The substrate must be damp but never soaking wet.
Substrate: A depth of at least 15cm is essential. Use a mix of leaf mould (beech or oak) and approximately 10% soft dead wood.
Diet: Their primary food is the substrate itself (decaying wood and leaves). Supplement this with soft fruits and vegetables like cucumber, always dusted with calcium (such as crushed cuttlefish bone) for shell health. 
 
Essential Keeping Advice
The "big secret" to keeping this species is to not disturb them. They are naturally subterranean and will often vanish for days to build soil chambers for egg-laying or moulting. Digging them up during these periods can be fatal.