Giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima) (origin: Laos – caves). Adult size around body 4–5 cm, leg span 25–30 cm. Life expectancy 2–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Giant huntsman spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40×50 cm.
Giant huntsman spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Giant huntsman spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Giant huntsman spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 2–4 years.
Giant huntsman spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×40×50 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, vertical cork bark, climbing structure
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- every 5–7 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 4–5 cm, leg span 25–30 cm
- Life expectancy
- 2–4 years
- Origin
- Laos – caves
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is mandatory: the species is solitary and cannibalistic, two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. This applies even to equally sized animals and even when both are well fed. For mating the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
The spider with the world's largest leg span. A cave dweller: subdued light, high humidity. Extremely fast – never leave the container open unattended.
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Related species
- Huntsman spider (Heteropoda venatoria) – Beginner
- David Bowie huntsman spider (Heteropoda davidbowie) – Intermediate
- Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) – Intermediate
- Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) – Expert
- Tube-web spider (Segestria florentina) – Intermediate
- Raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) – Expert
- Segmented spider (Liphistius sp.) – Expert
- Great raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus, vertical cork bark, climbing structure), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laotische_Riesenkrabbenspinne, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heteropoda
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).