Heteropoda davidbowie

Taxonomy

Heteropoda davidbowie was first described by Peter Jäger in 2008, based on a specimen collected by G. Ackermann in 2007 in the Cameron Highlands of peninsular Malaysia. The species name honors David Bowie, with particular reference to songs such as "Glass Spider" (from the 1987 album Never Let Me Down), and the resemblance of the frontal view of the spider to the singer's painted face in his early career.

Description

They are sexually dimorphic and body length ranges from medium to large: the male 15.3–18.2 millimetres (0.60–0.72 in); the female 21.3–25.3 mm (0.84–1.00 in). Males have an overall reddish brown dorsum with distinct brightly colored hairs forming patches and lines. The body has short dense hair, prominently interspersed with long bright orange hairs. The posterior half of body has a distinct red line surrounded by red hairs. The pedipalps are black, and the legs lack any distinct pattern. Females are similar to males, but the female's dorsum coloration may vary from greyish to reddish brown. Their legs are annulated with dark spots on bright regions, and there is a prominent triangular patch on the venter between the epigastric furrow and spinnerets.

Distribution

Heteropoda davidbowie is found in West Malaysia (Cameron Highlands), Singapore, Sumatra and possibly Southern Thailand.

Natural history and ecology

Adults are often seen on tree bark. Juveniles have been found on leaf litter and leaves on shrubs.