Hapalopus sp. Colombia Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination! Today we’re shining the spotlight on a pint-sized powerhouse the Hapalopus sp. Colombia, better known as the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula. Don’t let its small size fool you this vibrant orange and black beauty is bold, active, and bursting with personality. Whether you’re a first-time keeper or a seasoned spider enthusiast, the Pumpkin Patch is guaranteed to steal the show.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Hapalopus sp. Colombia
Common name: Colombian Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial with semi-arboreal / webbing tendencies
Native to: Pacific coastal Colombia
Adult size: Up to ~4″
Temperament: Generally calm but quick on their feet
Lifespan: Females up to 10 years, males around 3
Experience level: Beginner–Intermediate
Fun Fact:
Those striking orange “pumpkin patch” markings aren’t just for show they provide camouflage among forest debris. And yes, like many New World tarantulas, they have urticating hairs they can flick when threatened!
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, the Pumpkin Patch inhabits warm, humid forest floors with lots of leaf litter, small burrows, and silk-lined retreats. In captivity, we mimic this environment to keep them thriving.
Enclosure Tips
For spiderlings: Small acrylic sling box, ~3× leg span
For juveniles: Medium enclosure, ~3–4× leg span wide
For adults: Large, rectangular enclosure, 3–4× leg span wide
Orientation: Wider than tall to prevent falls
Security: Tight-fitting lid, good ventilation
Substrate
Use 1/3–1/2 the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil (my go-to is BioDude Terra Aranea bioactive substrate)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings, keep one corner slightly damp; for adults, mostly dry with a moist retreat
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70–78°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 65–75% Lightly moisten one corner of the substrate. Don’t overdo it!
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep the bottom layer slightly damp and the top layer dry it mimics how they’d burrow into cooler, moist soil in the wild.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
The Pumpkin Patch is small but mighty; curious, active, and a prolific web-builder.
Spiderlings: Fast, skittish, love to explore and web every corner
Adults: Calm but still active; spend most time in retreats or webbing
Handling: Not recommended; delicate and quick
Observation tip:
Watch their web tunnels and burrows. Increased webbing or blocked retreats often signals an upcoming molt.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Final Thoughts
The Pumpkin Patch Tarantula is a tiny showstopper with vibrant color, webbing personality, and curious behavior. Small but bold, it’s a perfect species for keepers ready to enjoy active observation rather than handling. With proper enclosure setup, substrate, humidity, and feeding, this dwarf tarantula can thrive and entertain for years, adding a burst of color and life to any collection.