Spirobolellus sp. “Maui” is a tiny, island‑endemic millipede found in the moist forest litter of Maui, Hawaii. It’s instantly recognisable for its dark body with pale striping and its striking blue‑green fluorescence under UV light, a feature that has made it popular in the invertebrate hobby. Adults reach around an inch in length, remain very docile, and thrive in communal setups, making them one of the more approachable micro‑millipedes to keep.
In the wild, they live deep within decomposing leaf litter, rotting wood, and mossy microhabitats on volcanic slopes and cloud‑forest floors. That ecology translates well to captivity: a rich, decaying substrate, high humidity, and warm temperatures allow them to breed readily. They’re efficient detritivores, feeding on leaf litter, rotted wood, and supplemental foods like flake soil or soft vegetables.
Despite their small size, they’re visually striking and active, often seen exploring the surface at night. Their fluorescence isn’t bioluminescence but a UV‑reactive quality of the exoskeleton, giving them a vivid glow under a 365 nm torch. As a species, they offer a blend of ease, uniqueness, and island charm that makes them a favourite for keepers wanting something different from the usual millipede giants.
Hawaiian Glow Millipede (Spirobolellus sp 'maui')
Specifications
Size: Small - Medium
Status: CBRange: Hawaian Island of Maui
Care information
Temperature 24-29 C Humidity 70-90% Diet Rotting leaf litter, wood, soft fruit and vet
Cuttlefish for calcium
Enclosure Substrate depth of 8-12 cm
Deep leaf litter layer
Min 30cm x 30cm for a small group

