The species was first described by Carl Attems in his 1914 Afrikanische Spirostreptiden: nebst Ueberblick über die Spirostreptiden orbis terrarum Attems, C. M. T. Graf von.

Males are often somewhat duller in coloration and have a thicker seventh segment, where the gonads replace the legs.

[citation needed] In captivity, the species is known to live for five to ten years.

In the wild they live in moist, shady forests, with temperatures around 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82 °F) and humidity between 70% and 80%.

They feed on organic matter like rotting leaves and wood, lichens, and fruits and vegetables.