Millipedes are primarily detritivores and decomposeers. Their diet centers on decaying plant matter and other organic debris, though some species will eat fungi, living plant tissue, or small invertebrates on occasion. What millipedes commonly eat
- Decaying leaves, wood, and other decomposing plant material
- Fungal fruiting bodies and mushrooms
- Mosses and lichens in damp habitats
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are sometimes eaten, especially in captivity or when cultivated by humans
- Occasional animal material or small invertebrates, though this is less common and species-dependent
Notes and context
- In natural settings, millipedes help break down leaf litter and enrich soil by fragmenting detritus in their gut and excreting it as specialized pellets. This detritivorous lifestyle means they prefer damp, shaded environments with rich organic matter.
- Some species can be herbivorous and may feed on living plant tissue, and a few are omnivorous or even carnivorous on occasion, though these cases are exceptions rather than the rule.
- For kept millipedes as pets, a moisture-rich habitat with decaying plant material is ideal, and a varied diet including fruits, vegetables, and decaying plant matter is commonly recommended.
If you need species-specific diet details or care guidelines for a particular kind of millipede, I can tailor the info to that species.
