How Much Does a Giant Millipede Really Cost? (And a Supply Note Worth Knowing)
Giant African millipedes are genuinely inexpensive to keep month to month, though the animal itself costs more than you might expect for an invertebrate, and there's a real reason behind that.
How Much Does a Giant Millipede Really Cost? (And a Supply Note Worth Knowing)
Giant African millipedes are genuinely inexpensive to keep month to month, though the animal itself costs more than you might expect for an invertebrate, and there's a real reason behind that. For everything else about keeping one, see our full Giant Millipede care guide.
Why the Price Runs Higher Than Other Invertebrates
The USDA maintains an import embargo on giant African millipedes, tied to concerns about a potentially damaging mite species found on imported animals, and a plant pest permit is required to keep this species. Practically, this means most giant millipedes available in the US today are captive-bred or from older stock rather than freshly imported, which keeps supply genuinely limited and prices higher than you'd expect for an animal this low-maintenance to care for. Some states also have their own additional sales restrictions or permit requirements, worth checking before you buy.
The Millipede Itself: $75 to $150 or More
Compared to other invertebrates on this site, this is a real step up in purchase price, driven entirely by the supply situation above rather than anything about the animal's care difficulty.
Upfront Setup: Roughly $75 to $150
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| A 20 gallon long tank, or a 40-gallon breeder tank or tub | $35 - $60 |
| Deep organic substrate, genuinely the biggest recurring cost for this species | $17 - $21+ |
| Leaf litter and hides | A few dollars |
| A digital hygrometer and thermometer | $11 - $19 |
| A spray bottle | $7 - $12 |
Sizing and shape details for that enclosure are covered in our Giant Millipede tank setup guide, including why the substrate step deserves more attention than any other part of the setup.
Ongoing Costs: Genuinely Minimal
Fresh produce and periodic substrate or leaf litter replenishment make up nearly the entire monthly cost, just a few dollars.
Vet Costs
Essentially none. Invertebrate-experienced exotic vets exist but are rarely needed, most issues, covered in our Giant Millipede health issues guide, are managed through husbandry alone.
A giant millipede can live up to 10 years in captivity, and 5 to 7 years in the wild. That's genuinely remarkable longevity for an invertebrate, well beyond what you'd expect from an animal this small and this inexpensive to feed.
Lifespan: Exceptionally Long for an Invertebrate
5 to 7 years in the wild, and up to 10 years in captivity. This is genuinely remarkable longevity for an invertebrate, considerably longer than the praying mantis, jumping spider, or hissing cockroach already covered on this site, and worth factoring into your decision as a real, multi-year commitment rather than a short-lived novelty pet.
Once you've weighed the cost, our Giant Millipede handling guide covers what day-to-day interaction with this species actually looks like. If you're comparing this species against other exotic pets, see Jackson's Chameleon, Canary, Giant Millipede & Corydoras Catfish compared, or browse the rest of our Invertebrates care guide category.
Sources & Further Reading
- USDA APHIS import guidance, via Ambassador Animal Resource Center
- The Tye-Dyed Iguana: Giant Black African Millipede
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Written by Mike
Mike is the founder of Beastly Facts and a lifelong reptile enthusiast. He shares his home with Dex, a bearded dragon with strong opinions about crickets and basking schedules. Mike writes in-depth care guides, animal facts, and the occasional short story about life with exotic pets.
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