Philippine Orange Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

The body is covered by a hard, jointed exoskeleton. Adults show a vivid, uniform bright orange to deep tangerine colour across the whole body, while spiderlings are a dull greyish-brown and develop the orange hue gradually with each moult.32

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is shy, skittish and very fast. It prefers to retreat into its burrow when disturbed, but if cornered it will readily strike a threat pose. It is not a handling species and will bite if provoked. Its venom is considered medically significant, causing pain and other symptoms, so it is only suitable for experienced keepers.234

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This is a fossorial species that digs deep silk-lined burrows and often covers the entrance with webbing. It is mostly active at night, waiting just inside its burrow entrance to ambush passing prey. It needs deep, compact, moisture-retentive substrate to construct its den, and plenty of anchor points for webbing. It is not an active display species and will spend most of its time hidden.245

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No grooming is needed for this tarantula. Care focuses on maintaining proper humidity and ventilation. The substrate should be kept lightly moist but never waterlogged, and the enclosure must have good airflow to prevent mould and mites. A shallow water dish should always be available. The spider will moult periodically, and during this time it should not be disturbed.35

Home where they are happiest

A tall enclosure of about 25x25x35 cm is suitable for an adult, with at least 18-22 cm of compact, moisture-retentive substrate such as a peat and coco coir mix. Daytime temperatures should be 22-28°C, with a slight drop at night. Humidity should be kept around 70-80%, with the substrate lightly moist but not wet. Good ventilation is essential. Provide a cork bark hide and anchor points for webbing. This species is not suitable for beginners due to its speed, defensiveness and potent venom.236

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, roaches and locusts. Spiderlings can be offered small prey or pre-killed portions every 3-5 days, juveniles every 5-10 days, and adults every 7-14 days depending on body condition. They are voracious eaters and will often take down larger prey. Always ensure prey is appropriately sized and remove any uneaten prey to avoid stress.254

Company who they like around

This is a solitary species and must be kept alone. It is not a social animal and will not tolerate company. Handling is never recommended due to its speed, defensiveness and medically significant venom. It is best observed rather than interacted with, and keepers should use caution during maintenance to avoid bites.234

The story where it all began

The Philippine orange tarantula was first described in 1999 by Günter Schmidt as Selenobrachys philippinus. In 2012, it was placed in the genus Orphnaecus, but in 2025, based on new morphological and molecular analyses, it was moved back to its own genus Selenobrachys. It is native to the Philippines, particularly Negros Island, where it lives in deep burrows in tropical forests. It has been kept in the hobby for its striking colour and interesting burrowing behaviour, though its speed and defensive nature make it a species for experienced keepers.17

Recognised by the official bits

Herpeton Academy

Recognised as a fossorial Old World tarantula with bright orange colouration2