How difficult is it to keep Malaysian orange huntsman?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Malaysian orange huntsman get?

Malaysian orange huntsman typically reaches Body length 15.3-18.2 mm (males), 21.3-25.3 mm (females) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Malaysian orange huntsman?

Malaysian orange huntsman feeds on: Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Malaysian orange huntsman?

The price of Malaysian orange huntsman varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Malaysian orange huntsman

Intermediate

Heteropoda davidbowie

A huntsman spider from the Malay Peninsula with conspicuous long orange hairs. Described in 2008 and named after the singer David Bowie, adults are often seen on tree bark.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Size

Body length 15.3-18.2 mm (males), 21.3-25.3 mm (females)

Diet

Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)

About

Heteropoda davidbowie Jäger, 2008 is a huntsman spider of the family Sparassidae. Peter Jäger described it in 2008 from a specimen collected in 2007 in the Cameron Highlands of peninsular Malaysia. The name honours the singer David Bowie, partly because the spider's face resembles his painted face from his early career. It is found in West Malaysia (Cameron Highlands), Singapore and Sumatra, and possibly southern Thailand. Males have a reddish-brown dorsum with short dense hair interspersed with long bright orange hairs and a red line on the rear half of the body, and black pedipalps. Females are similar, but the dorsum varies from greyish to reddish brown and the legs are marked with dark spots on the pale areas. Adults are often seen on tree bark, and juveniles have been found on leaf litter and on the leaves of shrubs. In Japan specialist shops occasionally offer it, including captive-bred young.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Malaysian orange huntsman

The Malaysian orange huntsman grows to Body length 15.3-18.2 mm (males), 21.3-25.3 mm (females).

The sexes differ, with body lengths of 15.3-18.2 mm in males and 21.3-25.3 mm in females.

Basic Info

Origin

West Malaysia (Cameron Highlands), Singapore and Indonesia (Sumatra)

Size

Body length 15.3-18.2 mm (males), 21.3-25.3 mm (females)

Diet

Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)

Care Guide

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Heteropoda davidbowie Jäger, 2008

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). It is a non-native spider, so keep it in escape-proof housing and never release captive animals.

Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.