Pumpkin Patch Tarantula – Hapalopus Sp. Columbia
The Hapalopus Sp. Columbia (also known as the pumpkin patch tarantula) is a gorgeous dwarf tarantula that’s native to the Columbian regions. This tarantula has a striking orange coloration along its carapace, and that is exactly where it derives the ‘Pumpkin Patch’ from. Typically, the Columbian Pumpkin Patch are hearty eaters with voracious appetites. In the wild, they’ve been seen to take down crickets, earthworms and practically every other insect that they stumble upon. The defining aspect of these tarantula is the fact that they start developing the coloration from a very young age. So, if you bring them as spider lings, you’ll be able to witness the stunning coloration from a few months of proper care and feeding.
Scientific Name
Hapalopus Sp. Columbia
Geographical distribution
The Columbian Pumpkin Patch is native to the Columbian regions.
Preferred natural habitat of the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
Like we already mentioned, the Pumpkin Patch spiders are indigenous to the Torrid regions of Columbia. The climate here changes with the elevation, and the typical average temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. There is slight seasonal variation, and the temperature is usually warm and dry.
Preferred food in the wild
Since these tarantulas are voracious eaters, they are likely to eat any small insect that they spot in the wild. Their typical diet ranges from baby crickets to earthworms.
Pumpkin Patch Tarantula Personality
These tarantulas aren’t really shy, and they boldly sit out in the wild, waiting to pounce upon a prey. When you keep them as pets, you will find them moving around restlessly in their terrarium. Yes, in case you haven’t already guessed, these species can get quite skittish. In almost every case, you’ll find them bolting to their dens at the slightest disturbance. So, while opening the terrarium for feeding them, do make sure you complete the chores with utmost care.
Feeding as a pet
Like we already mentioned, these species are voracious eaters. When I got them for the first time, they were too small to devour baby crickets. So, I made it a point to cut the crickets in half, making it easier for them to eat. The Columbian Pumpkin Patch will eat pre-killed insects at almost every instance. However, their appetite might not be them while they are molting. At this stage, you will find them avoiding their otherwise favorite meals.
Lifespan both male and female
Like most other tarantulas, the female Pumpkin Patch comes with a longer lifespan ranging from 10 to 12 years. Contrarily, the males only manage to live for 5 to 6 years.
Pet enclosure type
For the enclosure, you can use a spider ling vial that allows at least 3 to 4 inches of substrate. The ideal temperature should be around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius and the humidity should be between 65 and 90%. Since my spider lings were around 3/8 inches long when they started out, I housed them in a relatively big bottle featuring small ventilation holes. I poked these holes on the top, with a small needle. In almost every case, regardless of the enclosure you use, do ensure that it is at least 1 and a half to 2 gallons. These tarantulas are avid burrowers. So it is always better to keep a bark and ample space for their burrowing.
Pet enclosure habitat layout
Since these species require more moisture than usual, try using a concoction of moist coconut fiber and peat moss for the substrate. In order to increase the level of moisture retention, you can also add a dash of sphagnum moss. Once you come up with this substrate, you will notice that these tarantulas are pretty quick when it comes to getting settled. In almost every case, they will dig big underground burrows and extensively web around it. Unlike other tarantulas, these species will bolt out of their burrows at the slightest disturbance. So, make sure they aren’t disturbed at any moment.
Pumpkin Patch Tarantula Mating / reproducing
Since these species can get quite skittish, you should take ample precaution while mating them. Make sure the female is well-fed before she is introduced to the male. Also, keep a pair to tweezers handy to separate the duo once they’ve successfully completed a round of mating.
Development rate
The male species are likely to mature quickly, and they usually reach a size of 2.25 inches within 11 months. The females, on the other hand, live longer and reach a size of 3.5 to 4 inches.
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