Pumpkin Patch Tarantula

Hapalopus sp. Colombia Care Guide

The Colombian Pumpkin Patch Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Hapalopus sp. Colombia, commonly known as the Colombian Pumpkin Patch Tarantula, is a stunning dwarf tarantula species renowned for its vibrant orange and black patterning. Native to the Pacific coast of Colombia, this species thrives in warm, humid environments and is a favorite among hobbyists due to its rapid growth, impressive webbing, and striking coloration. With its manageable size and relatively docile nature, the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula makes an excellent choice for keepers of all experience levels, though its small size and speed may pose challenges for first-time keepers of dwarf species.

Quick Species Snapshot

Scientific Name: Hapalopus sp. Colombia
Common Name: Colombian Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial (Semi-Arboreal tendencies)
Category: New World
Native Range: Colombia
Diagonal Leg Span (DLS):

• Groot Form: Up to 4” (10 cm)

• Klein Form: Up to 2.5” (6 cm) Urticating Hairs: Yes
  Growth Rate: Fast

Life Expectancy:

• Females: 10 years

• Males: 3 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

What Makes Hapalopus sp. Colombia So Special?

The Colombian Pumpkin Patch Tarantula may be tiny, but it’s packed with personality and color, making it a must-have for keepers who appreciate an active and vibrant species. This little spider stands out for several reasons, starting with its stunning appearance. The bright orange and black markings on its abdomen look just like a miniature pumpkin patch, giving it one of the most unique color patterns in the hobby. Whether you’re into dwarf species or just want a tarantula that’s always out and about, this one won’t disappoint.

One of the coolest things about Hapalopus sp. Colombia is that it actually comes in two distinct forms:

• Groot Form – The larger variation, reaching a max leg span of around 4 inches (10 cm).

• Klein Form – A true dwarf species, only growing to about 2.5 inches (6 cm).

Even though there’s a noticeable size difference between the two, their care is exactly the same, and they both share that same bold pumpkin patch pattern.

Beyond its looks, this species also has a surprisingly fast growth rate, maturing in about two years. Unlike some slower-growing tarantulas, you won’t have to wait forever to see it reach its full potential. It’s also a heavy webber, creating intricate silk tunnels throughout its enclosure, which adds to its appeal as a display species. When it comes to feeding, this tarantula is an absolute hunter—quick, efficient, and not afraid to chase down prey, making feeding time a lot of fun to watch.

Temperament-wise, Hapalopus sp. Colombia is typically docile but also skittish and incredibly fast. It’s not a species you’ll want to handle, but as an active display tarantula, it’s one of the best. If you’re looking for a small but strikingly beautiful and energetic tarantula, either form of the Colombian Pumpkin Patch is a fantastic addition to any collection!

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Hapalopus sp. Colombia, commonly known as the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula, is a New World dwarf species famous for its striking orange and black patterning that resembles a pumpkin patch. This species is highly sought after for its small size, bold appearance, and active nature, making it a favorite among tarantula keepers.

The genus name Hapalopus is derived from Greek, meaning "delicate foot," a reference to the small and lightweight build of species in this genus. The common name Pumpkin Patch Tarantula describes the vivid orange abdominal markings set against a darker background, giving it a distinctly festive appearance.

Natural Range & Habitat

Native to the Pacific coastal regions of Colombia, Hapalopus sp. Colombia thrives in humid forests and grassy plains. As a terrestrial burrower, it creates silk-lined burrows that extend several inches underground, providing shelter from predators and environmental fluctuations.

The climate in its natural range is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 69-78°F (20-26°C). This species is well-adapted to moist conditions, but it also benefits from adequate ventilation in captivity to prevent stagnant air and excessive moisture buildup.

Behavior & Temperament

The Pumpkin Patch Tarantula is generally docile and tolerant, making it suitable for keepers of all experience levels. While not particularly defensive, it is fast-moving and skittish, preferring to retreat rather than stand its ground. Due to its small size and quick bursts of speed, handling is not recommended, as it is delicate and can be easily injured.

Despite its diminutive stature, Hapalopus sp. Colombia has a voracious appetite and a strong feeding response, making it an active hunter. It also webs extensively, creating intricate tunnels and silk structures around its burrow, adding to its appeal as a highly engaging display species.

Housing & Substrate – Semi-Arboreal Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This depth allows for effective burrowing and minimizes the risk of injury from falls.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and include vertical branches, cork bark pieces, or small fake plants as web anchors to facilitate natural web tunnel construction.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4× for enhanced natural behavior, while still considering escape risks).

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide ample depth for burrowing while reducing fall distance.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and tasteful decorations such as vertical branches or cork bark pieces leaned diagonally. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note: "Semi‑arboreal" is not an official behavioral classification but rather a descriptive term used in the hobby to design enclosures that allow a tarantula to display some climbing and web anchoring behavior without exposing it to dangerous falls. For semi‑arboreal species, the enclosure is typically a square or horizontal rectangle rather than a tall arboreal setup. This design minimizes fall distance and risk of injury. Never use an arboreal enclosure for a species that is not truly arboreal.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 70–78°F (21–26°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate humidity by ensuring the lower layers of substrate remain slightly damp, allowing the top layers to dry between waterings.

• Water Dish: Provide a shallow, clean water dish at all times.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Breeding Hapalopus sp. Colombia in Captivity

Breeding Hapalopus sp. Colombia (Pumpkin Patch Tarantula) is fairly straightforward, as they are known to be willing breeders with high reproductive output. Their small size and rapid growth make them an excellent candidate for captive breeding, helping ensure healthy populations remain available without the need for wild collection.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males mature quickly, usually within 1–2 years, developing enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take 2–3 years to reach reproductive maturity.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to prevent defensive behavior. Some breeders report better success when increasing humidity slightly before pairing.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, as they are more active in low light.

• The male will drum on the substrate or webbing to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may drum back or remain still, allowing the male to approach and insert his emboli.

• Once mating is complete, the male should be removed immediately, as females may become defensive afterward.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female will begin producing an egg sac 4–6 weeks after mating, making this one of the faster-developing species.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels of 65–75 percent, ensuring good airflow to prevent mold.

• The egg sac typically contains 100–300 eggs, with high hatch rates under proper conditions.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to pull the egg sac after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, first instar spiderlings will emerge in 6–8 weeks and molt into second instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• H. sp. Colombia spiderlings are small but fast-growing, requiring stable humidity and frequent feeding.

• Provide ventilated enclosures with ample webbing anchors to encourage natural behavior.

• Feed them pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies, or small roaches every 2–3 days to support their rapid metabolism.

Challenges & Considerations

• Fast and skittish adults: While not highly defensive, H. sp. Colombia can be quick and unpredictable, making handling difficult.

• Small spiderlings: Their tiny size makes them more vulnerable to desiccation and improper humidity levels, requiring careful monitoring.

• Short male lifespan: Males typically do not live beyond 6–12 months after maturing, so breeding attempts should be made as soon as possible.

With their vibrant orange markings and small size, Hapalopus sp. Colombia is a favorite among dwarf tarantula enthusiasts. Their high reproductive output and fast growth make them a great species for captive breeding. By focusing on captive breeding efforts, we ensure that this species remains available in the hobby while reducing demand for wild-caught specimens. Every successful breeding project strengthens the long-term sustainability of H. sp. Colombia in captivity.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (Hapalopus sp. Colombia) is an eye-catching, active, and easy-to-care-for species that offers a fantastic balance between bold coloration, manageable size, and fascinating behavior. It is a great choice for both beginner and experienced keepers, as long as proper attention is given to its burrowing needs, humidity levels, and enclosure security.

With its intricate webbing, strong feeding response, and vibrant markings, Hapalopus sp. Colombia remains one of the most visually striking and rewarding dwarf tarantulas in the hobby. Properly housed and maintained, this species will thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment for those who appreciate small but charismatic tarantulas.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs (code TTC10 for 10% off), and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (code TTC10 for 10% off). Visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.