Molting, or ecdysis, is a natural biological process where millipedes shed their rigid outer covering, the exoskeleton. This process is fundamental for their growth, allowing them to increase in size and regenerate lost or damaged appendages. Successful molting is a necessary physiological event, crucial for their ongoing health and physical development.
Molting Frequency
Molting frequency is not uniform and depends on several factors. Young, growing millipedes molt more often than adults, typically every few weeks to months. As juveniles, they gain new body segments and additional pairs of legs with each successive molt. Some species may cease molting once they reach adulthood, while others continue throughout their two to ten-year lifespan.
Species differences also influence molting schedules. Environmental conditions like optimal temperature, humidity, and food availability contribute to consistent growth and predictable molting patterns. Insufficient humidity, for instance, can impede successful molting. The duration of a molt can vary significantly, lasting from several days to weeks, or even months, especially for larger species.
The Molting Process
When preparing to molt, a millipede typically burrows deep into the substrate, often disappearing for an extended period. During this preparatory phase, the millipede may become less active, appear lethargic, and stop consuming food. Some individuals might exhibit a lighter coloration just before shedding.
The actual shedding occurs while the millipede is underground. The newly exposed exoskeleton is soft and vulnerable, gradually hardening over time, a process that requires sufficient calcium. Millipedes are at their most vulnerable during this period; any disturbance can lead to injury or death. Research indicates that new legs can begin to form as transparent protrusions even before the old exoskeleton is shed.
Supporting Your Millipede During Molting
Providing appropriate conditions is important to support a millipede through its molting phase. The enclosure should feature a deep layer of substrate, ideally one to two times the millipede’s length. This depth allows the millipede to burrow completely and create a safe space for molting.
Maintaining consistent humidity levels is important, as moisture is necessary for a successful molt; regular misting helps achieve this. When a millipede is underground or shows signs of molting, avoid disturbing it, as digging it up can cause significant harm. Providing a calcium source (e.g., cuttlebone, crushed eggshells, powder) is beneficial, as it assists in hardening the new exoskeleton and contributes to its structural integrity.