© Zleng / CC BY 2.0Malaysian orange huntsman
The Malaysian orange huntsman is a huntsman spider from the Malay Peninsula, easily recognized by the long orange hairs covering its body. It was described in 2008 and named after the singer David Bowie. Adult males measure 15.3 to 18.2 mm in body length and females 21.3 to 25.3 mm, so females are noticeably larger. Adults are often found on tree bark in the wild, so a setup with climbing space suits them well. Care is rated intermediate, and little is documented about their lifespan.
View Malaysian orange huntsman encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 5 Transparency Commitments
When listing Exotic Invertebrates, Breeders disclose the following. We guarantee transparency on growth stage and breeding unit.
- Real Photos
- Breeding Unit
- Generation Info
- Body Length (mm)
- Country of Origin
Browse all 286 breeds
Verified breeders wanted for Exotic Invertebrates
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising exotic invertebrates?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a breederMalaysian orange huntsman key facts
- Care level
- 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)
- Enclosure
- Adults live on tree bark, so use a tall enclosure with upright cork bark for perching and cover. Keep singly.
- Temperature & Humidity
- Little temperature or humidity data exist. The type locality is a highland area, so avoid hot, stuffy conditions, mist the walls for drinking water and keep the enclosure ventilated.
- Diet & Feeding
- Live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the spider. It builds no capture web, so release prey nearby.
- Temperament & Venom
- Little has been published on its venom. It is a fast-moving spider, so do not handle it; use long tongs for maintenance.
- Notes
- Its flat body slips through tiny gaps, so use a container with a lockable lid. The trade name alone may not separate it from other species, so check the scientific name, and never release captive animals.
About Malaysian orange huntsman
The Malaysian orange huntsman is a Malay Peninsula huntsman spider with long orange hairs. Adults measure 15.3-18.2 mm (males) and 21.3-25.3 mm (females). Intermediate care level; key points before you buy.
7 things to know before welcoming a Malaysian orange huntsman
1Intermediate care level
Care is rated intermediate. Huntsman spiders tend to move quickly, so even routine care calls for calm, deliberate handling. If this would be your first unusual spider, gather information and prepare your setup thoroughly before deciding.
2Males and females differ in size
Adult body length is 15.3 to 18.2 mm for males and 21.3 to 25.3 mm for females, so females grow larger. With legs spread, the spider looks bigger than its body length suggests, so choose an enclosure with the adult in mind to avoid rehousing later. Check the listing for the individual's growth stage and sex.
3Bark-based vertical layout
In the wild, adults are often found on tree bark. Leaning cork bark or similar pieces in the enclosure gives the spider a place to climb and hide, which makes its natural behavior easier to observe.
4Make escape-proofing a priority
Because these spiders move fast, escape-proofing comes first. Check for gaps around the lid and plan your routine so the spider cannot slip out when you open the enclosure to feed or clean. Avoid touching it with bare hands and use tweezers or a container to keep your distance.
5Keep temperature and humidity steady
This species comes from the Malay Peninsula, so aim for a warm, humid environment. Stuffy, stagnant air is best avoided, so provide ventilation and adjust while checking a thermo-hygrometer. For specific target values, it is safest to ask the seller.
6Live insects as the main diet
Huntsman spiders are carnivores and are generally fed live insects. Decide on the type of feeder and where you will get it before bringing the spider home. Remove uneaten prey promptly, as it can cause mold and odor.
7Limited lifespan information
Little is documented about their lifespan, so no clear figure can be given. Since long-term keeping records are limited, noting molts and appetite in a log will help you notice changes in condition.
Frequently asked questions about Malaysian orange huntsman
- Q.Can beginners keep this spider?
- A.Care is rated intermediate. Because the spider is fast and escape-proofing is essential, some experience with unusual spiders is reassuring.
- Q.How large do adults get?
- A.Body length is 15.3 to 18.2 mm for males and 21.3 to 25.3 mm for females, so females are larger. With the legs included the spider looks bigger than these figures suggest, so keep that in mind when choosing an enclosure.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.Little is documented, and a clear lifespan is not known. Keeping a record of molts and appetite while you care for it helps you spot changes in condition.
- Q.Is it really named after David Bowie?
- A.Yes. When it was described in 2008, it was named after the singer David Bowie. It is a Malay Peninsula huntsman spider known for its long orange hairs.
- Q.Where is it found in the wild?
- A.It occurs on the Malay Peninsula, and adults are often seen on tree bark. In captivity, a vertical layout using cork bark or similar bark-like materials is a useful reference.
Learn more about Malaysian orange huntsman in the encyclopedia
View Malaysian orange huntsman encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.