Description
Orin McMonigle, with contributions by the late Dr. Richard L. Hoffman, assembles the definitive resource guide with reproductive and developmental data for those spectacular terrestrial arthropods, the millipeds (or millipedes). Invertebrate hobbyists can successfully culture a number of colorful and gigantic diplopods by following specific methodologies outlined in this book. From the world's largest African giant millipeds to the most astoundingly colorful members of the Orders Polydesmida and Spirobolida, there are plenty of species to attract the beginning enthusiast or to challenge the advanced keeper.
Reproductive biology and husbandry details for this fantastic group of invertebrates has been almost entirely lacking over nearly five decades of common availability. I attempted to fix this problem nearly a decade ago with the small enthusiast's handbook. This comparatively massive coffee table text includes decades of reproductive details across multiple filial generations for a number of different species with accompanying photographic documentation, a feat and effort difficult to appreciate. Also included are the first photographs ever taken of the only new US species of giant milliped discovered since the 1950s (published description of Floridobolus orini April 18, 2014 Insect Mundi).
Millipedes (or millipeds) have traditionally been acquired as impulse purchases, strange little creatures tucked in the corners of reptile shows and pet shops. For years, there was very little information on keeping them, let alone breeding them. The African giant black millipede (or similar large tropical species) was commonly seen, but rarely lasted long in a simple terrarium, and misinformation was rampant.
Today, that has all changed. We have the benefit now of a wealth of information, through the efforts of experienced invertebrate hobbyists like Orin McMonigle, which we can use to preserve and propogate those species we still have. Both exotics and native U.S. species are included, with a wide range of details regarding caring for them through their entire life stages, with discussion of key factors for reproductive success.
- Publisher : Coachwhip Publications
- Publication date : October 22, 2012
- Language : English
- Print length : 122 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1616461438
- ISBN-13 : 978-1616461430
- Item Weight : 1.12 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.2 x 0.6 x 10.1 inches
