Orphnaecus philippinus

Orphnaecus philippinus

Orphnaecus philippinus is a Philippine endemic, known in the hobby as the "Philippine Tangerine" — and the name is no exaggeration. Its body burns with an intense, flame-like orange that is rare among Old World species. It is a colour that draws the eye like an ember even in the dim light of a terrarium.

It is a fossorial species in the fullest sense: it digs deep, silk-lined burrows and spins webbing around their entrance. It shifts its activity to the night, and the spider itself can be extremely fast and distinctly defensive. As an Old World representative it has no urticating hairs — in defence it relies on speed and its chelicerae, and its venom is potent. This is not a spider that forgives carelessness.

In the terrarium it needs a deep layer of substrate — a dozen or more centimetres in which to excavate its tunnel — and good ventilation. It likes higher temperature and humidity: keep the substrate moist (not waterlogged), with regular misting. It will spend most of its time underground, and its appearance at the burrow mouth is a reward for the patient observer.

This is a species for the experienced keeper who understands fast, defensive Old World tarantulas and values them for their temperament rather than in spite of it. Orphnaecus philippinus is a living flame beneath the earth — demanding, but spectacular.