Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
Hapalopus formosus
The Hapalopus formosus (formerly H. sp. Colombia), globally adored as 'Pumpkin Patch Tarantula'. It is a small, but spectacular, Neotropical jewel (2.7-3.9 inches legspan for the 'Large' form, much smaller for the 'Small'). A universal darling of terrarium keeping, it owes its nickname to its very peculiar abdomen: velvety black crossed by showy and very elaborate chained Orange/Pumpkin patches, of unsurpassable brilliance. Frantic and ravenous terrestrial, it sports clouds of urticating hairs despite its size and is famous for building extensive webs low to the ground.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
65 - 75 %
Temperatura diurna
24 - 27 °C
Temperatura noturna
21 - 24 °C
Descrição da espécie
Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog records Colombia as the distribution. The consulted taxonomic record does not provide a habitat description.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog treats Hapalopus formosus Ausserer, 1875 as an accepted type species in the genus Hapalopus, family Theraphosidae.
Behaviour and Habits: The consulted taxonomic record does not provide a species-specific behaviour observation.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: World Spider Catalog cites the original description by Ausserer (1875), page 175, plate 6, figures 17–18 (Dm); this record does not provide a complete comparative diagnosis of the sexes.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Terrarium Setup: A spider-diversity study records Hapalopus formosus in a tropical dry forest study area at Reserva Campesina La Sierra, Sabanalarga, Atlántico, Colombia, and among morphospecies shared by interior forest and cultivation habitats. This is a field-study occurrence, not an enclosure or substrate prescription.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery sets no photoperiod or temperature target.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery sets no humidity or watering target.
Feeding and Supplementation: This recovery sets no feeding or supplementation protocol.
Compatibility and Coexistence: This recovery makes no cohabitation recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery provides no health, disease, or treatment protocol.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Esta espécie é originária de: Sud America (Foreste umide e vallate della Colombia andina).
Origem
Extra-Amazônica América do Sul
Perfil de invertebrados terrestres
- Dieta
- Carnivore
- The diet of Hapalopus formosus primarily consists of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. In the wild, they are opportunistic ambush predators that will take down any prey they can overpower. Feeding should occur once or twice a week depending on the size and age of the individual. It is important to remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the tarantula. Fresh water must also be available at all times in a shallow dish.
- Tamanho adulto
- 10 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- The lifestyle of Hapalopus formosus revolves around creating and maintaining a suitable retreat, whether that be a deep burrow or an intricate web structure. Terrestrial species will spend significant time digging and moving substrate to form a comfortable living space. Arboreal types, on the other hand, will construct silken tubes hidden among foliage or bark. They lead highly solitary lives and will generally not tolerate the presence of other individuals in their territory outside of mating. A well-designed enclosure that mimics their specific natural habitat is essential for their overall well-being.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Hapalopus formosus is predominantly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. As dusk approaches, they typically emerge from their retreats to actively forage for food or wait in ambush. During the daylight hours, they prefer to remain hidden in dark, secure hiding spots to avoid predators and extreme temperatures. Maintaining a proper day-night light cycle in the enclosure helps regulate their natural circadian rhythms. Observing them under a dim red light at night can provide fascinating insights into their natural habits.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- It is a strictly solitary and aggressively cannibalistic species. They must always be housed individually. Cohabitation is impossible; they will view any conspecific as either a dangerous territorial threat or a potential meal, inevitably resulting in a fatal encounter. They are highly territorial over their webbed domains.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Hapalopus formosus typically involves a delicate courtship process where the male drums on the ground to signal his presence to the female. Once the female accepts, the male carefully approaches to transfer sperm using his pedipalps. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing anywhere from fifty to several hundred eggs, depending on the species size. Incubation lasts for several weeks, during which the female fiercely guards the sac. Eventually, the spiderlings emerge and will soon disperse to begin their solitary lives.
- Venenoso
- Yes
- Tolerância de tratamento
- Expert only
- Handling Hapalopus formosus should generally be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the animal. Tarantulas are fragile creatures that can suffer fatal injuries from even a short fall. If manipulation is required for enclosure maintenance or rehousing, using a catch cup or the soft paintbrush method is highly recommended. Direct handling carries the risk of getting bitten or exposed to irritating urticating hairs. Prioritizing observation over interaction ensures the safety of both the keeper and the spider.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- True brumation is not typically observed in Hapalopus formosus, but they may experience a period of reduced activity during cooler winter months. During this time, they might retreat deeper into their burrows and significantly decrease their food intake. It is important to avoid overfeeding and to carefully monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters. Keepers should refrain from disturbing the spider to allow it to rest naturally. Normal activity and appetite will usually resume once ambient temperatures begin to rise again in the spring.
- Muda
- Regular
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Hapalopus formosus as it allows them to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Prior to a molt, the tarantula will often refuse food, become lethargic, and develop a dark patch on its abdomen. When the time comes, they will construct a molting mat of silk and flip onto their backs to begin extracting themselves from their old exoskeleton. Under no circumstances should they be disturbed or fed during this exhausting process. After molting, they need several days to weeks to fully harden their new fangs and body before they can eat again.
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