{"id":732,"date":"2019-10-04T13:50:30","date_gmt":"2019-10-04T13:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tarantulafriendly.com\/?p=732"},"modified":"2021-05-05T09:37:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T09:37:53","slug":"pumpkin-patch-tarantula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tarantulafriendly.com\/pumpkin-patch-tarantula\/","title":{"rendered":"Pumpkin Patch Tarantula – Hapalopus Sp. Columbia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Hapalopus Sp. Columbia (also known as the pumpkin patch tarantula) is a gorgeous dwarf tarantula that\u2019s native to the Columbian regions. This tarantula has a striking orange coloration along its carapace, and that is exactly where it derives the \u2018Pumpkin Patch\u2019 from. Typically, the Columbian Pumpkin Patch are hearty eaters with voracious appetites. In the wild, they\u2019ve 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\u2019ll be able to witness the stunning coloration from a few months of proper care and feeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientific\nName<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hapalopus Sp. Columbia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geographical distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The\nColumbian Pumpkin Patch is native to the Columbian regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preferred natural habitat of the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like we\nalready mentioned, the Pumpkin Patch spiders are indigenous to the Torrid\nregions of Columbia. The climate here changes with the elevation, and the\ntypical average temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. There\nis slight seasonal variation, and the temperature is usually warm and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preferred food in the wild <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since these\ntarantulas are voracious eaters, they are likely to eat any small insect that\nthey spot in the wild. Their typical diet ranges from baby crickets to\nearthworms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pumpkin Patch Tarantula Personality <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These\ntarantulas aren\u2019t really shy, and they boldly sit out in the wild, waiting to\npounce upon a prey. When you keep them as pets, you will find them moving\naround restlessly in their terrarium. Yes, in case you haven\u2019t already guessed,\nthese species can get quite skittish. In almost every case, you\u2019ll find them\nbolting to their dens at the slightest disturbance. So, while opening the\nterrarium for feeding them, do make sure you complete the chores with utmost\ncare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding as a pet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like we\nalready mentioned, these species are voracious eaters. When I got them for the\nfirst time, they were too small to devour baby crickets. So, I made it a point\nto cut the crickets in half, making it easier for them to eat. The Columbian\nPumpkin Patch will eat pre-killed insects at almost every instance. However,\ntheir appetite might not be them while they are molting. At this stage, you\nwill find them avoiding their otherwise favorite meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifespan both male and\nfemale <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like most other tarantulas, the female Pumpkin Patch comes\nwith a longer lifespan ranging from 10 to 12 years. Contrarily, the males only\nmanage to live for 5 to 6 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet enclosure type <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet enclosure habitat layout <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t disturbed at any moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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