Quick Answer: Hapalopus sp. Colombia (Large), the Pumpkin Patch, is a small New World terrestrial from Colombia reaching 2.5-3 inches with a bold orange and black abdominal pattern. It needs a compact terrestrial enclosure, 72-80°F, and 60-70% RH. Beginner-friendly, feisty personality, heavy webber. Download the free care sheet PDF.
Introduction
Hapalopus sp. Colombia (Large), the Pumpkin Patch tarantula, is one of the most recognizable small tarantulas in the hobby. The abdominal pattern is exactly what the common name says: a vivid orange and black design that holds up through multiple molts and looks freshly painted after every shed. The large form females reach about 3 inches, distinguishing them from the small form which tops out around 1.5 inches.
This species is from Colombia, where it occupies scrubland and forest edge habitat. In the enclosure it is an active keeper that webs heavily, explores constantly, and will threat-posture at a size that surprises new keepers. It is not a shy, hiding species. Given the right setup it will be visible, opinionated, and entertaining to watch on a regular basis.
Compact enclosure, straightforward humidity requirements, and manageable temperament make this a strong choice for beginners who want something with visual impact and personality. This guide covers everything needed to keep Hapalopus sp. Colombia (Large) correctly from sling to adult.
Quick Stats
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hapalopus sp. Colombia (Large) |
| Common name | Pumpkin Patch (Large form) |
| Origin | Colombia, South America |
| Habitat | Terrestrial/semi-fossorial; scrubland and forest edge |
| Adult female legspan | 2.5-3 inches; vivid orange/black pumpkin-patch abdominal pattern |
| Adult male legspan | 1.5-2 inches |
| Female lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Male lifespan | 2-3 years post-maturity |
| Experience level | Beginner |
| Urticating hairs | Yes (New World); kicks readily when threatened |
| Venom | New World — mild; comparable to a bee sting for most people |
| Webbing | Heavy surface webber; incorporates hide and water dish into web structure |
Enclosure Setup
A compact terrestrial enclosure with floor space priority. This species does not need height and does not spend time climbing. It does need somewhere to anchor its extensive web network and a hide it can disappear into when it wants to. Adults are comfortable in an 8x8x8 inch enclosure. Going larger is fine but this species shows itself more readily in a right-sized setup.
| Life Stage | Enclosure Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sling (under 0.5") | 2-4 oz deli cup | Side ventilation; damp lower substrate |
| Juvenile (0.5-1.5") | 4"W x 4"D x 6"H | Terrestrial; cross-ventilation; cork hide |
| Sub-adult / Adult | 8"W x 8"D x 8"H | 3-4" substrate; cork hide; small permanent water dish |
Substrate: 3-4 inches of coconut fibre or a coco/sand mix. Include one cork bark hide at substrate level. Given room to web, this species will build a visible surface structure that connects the hide, the water dish, and the walls of the enclosure into a single silk network. Cross-ventilation keeps airflow adequate without pulling moisture out too quickly. A moisture gradient with one damp side (near the water dish) and one drier side works well for this species.
Temperature and Humidity
Moderate requirements from a Colombian scrubland background. More tolerant of drier conditions than true tropical forest species, but still needs consistent moisture access. Sustained dry conditions cause pre-molting problems and dehydration. Room temperature in most homes is adequate without supplemental heating.
| Parameter | Target Range | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime temperature | 72-80°F (22-27°C) | Below 65°F or above 86°F |
| Night temperature | 68-75°F (20-24°C) | Sustained below 62°F |
| Ambient humidity | 60-70% RH | Sustained above 80% with poor ventilation |
| Substrate moisture | Moist lower half; dry surface | Completely dry throughout |
Overflow the water dish once a week to wet one side of the substrate. Allow the surface to dry between waterings. If the enclosure is running warm (above 78°F consistently) the substrate will dry faster and may need more frequent overflow. A small heat mat on the side of the enclosure at the lowest setting is sufficient for rooms that drop below 68°F at night.
Feeding
An enthusiastic feeder that attacks prey readily at most life stages. The pumpkin-patch abdomen swells noticeably when well-fed, which makes it easy to track body condition at a glance. Prey must not exceed the abdomen width. At 2.5-3 inches adult size, this species eats small prey for its whole life — never offer full-size adult crickets.
| Life Stage | Prey Item | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sling | Fruit flies, pinhead crickets (pre-killed) | Every 3-4 days |
| Juvenile | Small crickets, small dubia roaches (pre-killed) | Every 5-6 days |
| Sub-adult / Adult | Small crickets, small dubia roaches | Every 7-10 days |
| Pre/Post-molt | None — remove all prey | Resume 7-10 days post-molt |
Pre-kill prey for slings and small juveniles. Remove uneaten food within 24 hours. This species grows relatively quickly compared to other dwarfs and benefits from consistent feeding throughout the juvenile stage. Pre-molt fasting of 1-3 weeks is normal. Do not force-feed a fasting spider.
Watering
A small permanent water dish at substrate level for adults and sub-adults. Overflow it once a week to keep the lower substrate layer damp on one side. Change the water every 3-4 days. For slings, wet one corner of the substrate by overflowing a bottle cap — no water dish at that size. Do not mist directly onto the spider or its web. The web structure often incorporates the water dish into the silk design; leave it in place rather than disturbing the web to clean around it.
Molting
Pre-molt signs: prey refusal for 1-3 weeks, abdomen darkening (the orange pumpkin-patch pattern may appear duller or darker before a molt), increased webbing or sealing of the hide. Slings molt frequently — every 2-3 months at small sizes. Adults molt once a year or less.
Do not disturb a spider in pre-molt or during an active molt. Remove all live prey when pre-molt behavior starts. Post-molt wait: 7-10 days before offering food. Fangs must be fully dark before feeding resumes. The orange pumpkin-patch coloration returns to full intensity immediately after a fresh molt and gradually dims slightly as the cuticle ages and hardens — this is normal.
Temperament and Handling
Feisty for its size. This species will raise the front legs and expose the fangs at a legspan most keepers would not expect from an animal this small. Urticating hair kicking is the more common response under real stress — it kicks accurately and the hairs cause significant skin and eye irritation. Most specimens bolt when initially disturbed rather than holding a threat posture, which makes them difficult to predict and quick to disappear.
Handling is not recommended as standard practice. The fall risk at 2.5-3 inches is real, and the spider is faster than it looks. Use a catch cup for all enclosure transfers. The personality is part of what makes this species enjoyable to keep — treat it as a display animal and let the behavior speak for itself through the glass.
Is This Species Right for You?
The Pumpkin Patch is one of the most visually distinctive small tarantulas available. The abdominal pattern is unique enough that it photographs well even through enclosure glass, and a healthy well-fed adult has an abdomen that looks almost artificially colored. Beginner-appropriate care, small footprint, and big personality make this a strong first or second tarantula.
If you already keep larger species and want something different: the Pumpkin Patch is a dwarf that acts like it does not know it is a dwarf. It will not be intimidated by your attention, it will web constantly, and it will be visible far more often than most fossorial or shy species. For a keeper who wants activity in a small package, this delivers.