1/24/2023: Easy Euryurids for the disgruntled flat millipede enthusiast

Keeping Polydesmids, the flat millipedes, can be an arduous task due to how little is known about many of the species. In the last few years there have been some major strides with such aesthetic genera as Pachydesmus, but a generalized Apheloria keeping strategy remains elusive.

Fortunately for anyone with an interest in these millipedes, the family Euryuridae has proven consistently easy. Unlike other flats, they are quite tolerant of stagnant conditions and some degree of neglect. The wild habitat and general behavior of the family easily gives away its husbandry and dietary needs; well-rotted, moist wood makes the perfect food, substrate, AND hiding place.

I have been accruing Euryurids for a few years now and will hopefully have IDs to species within the next couple. Until then, it’s nice to enjoy the colonies at night when they become more active both under and sometimes above the surface. Did I mention like many of the large, extremely coveted taxa, Euryurids also glow under black lighting? This is certainly a very neat and enticing group of diplopods!

-Kyle