Rusty Millipede (Trigoniulus corallinus)

The Rusty Millipede (Trigoniulus corallinus) is a reddish cylindrical millipede with a long history in tropical regions. Published research records the species widely across Southeast Asia and reports adults at around 5 cm, giving buyers a useful sense of scale when comparing it with larger millipedes.

Its enclosure should be built around the substrate rather than surface decoration. Leaf litter and decomposing organic material form part of the feeding environment, while usable substrate depth gives the millipede somewhere to burrow, rest and moult. Our Rusty Millipede Care Guide covers the species in more detail, while the Complete Millipede Care Guide explains the broader husbandry framework.

Rusty Millipede or Leptogoniulus sorornus?

If you are comparing similar-looking cylindrical millipedes, the Leptogoniulus sorornus Millipede is a useful species to view alongside the Rusty Millipede. They are separate species, so their similar overall body form should not be taken to mean that every aspect of their care, behaviour or adult appearance is identical.

The Rusty Millipede is the more extensively documented of the pair. That makes it easier to give a firm scientific identity and useful published context without relying on hobby assumptions. Whichever species you choose, have the enclosure prepared before arrival and judge it by the habitat you can provide rather than appearance alone.

Prepare the substrate before arrival

For the Rusty Millipede, aim for an organic, moisture-retentive substrate that stays damp without becoming waterlogged or stagnant, with plenty of leaf litter available as the enclosure matures. If you are deciding how much usable depth to provide, see How Deep Should Millipede Substrate Be?.

If you want another contrasting smaller millipede to compare, see the Bumblebee Millipede, or browse the wider Small Millipedes collection before deciding which animal best fits your setup.