Pumpkin patch tarantula (Hapalopus formosus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Pumpkin patch tarantula (Hapalopus formosus) (origin: Colombia). Adult size around body length about 2–3 cm; leg span depending on trade form: large form about 9–10 cm, small form about 5–6 cm. Life expectancy females approx. 8–10 years, males only 3–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Pumpkin patch tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20 x 20 x 20 cm (an adult female).
Pumpkin patch tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–27 °C, at night room temperature.
Pumpkin patch tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No.
Pumpkin patch tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females approx. 8–10 years, males only 3–4 years.
Pumpkin patch tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–27 °C
- Night temperature
- room temperature
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- No
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20 x 20 x 20 cm (an adult female)
- Substrate
- Diggable, lightly moist substrate of coco fibre or soil, about a third to half the enclosure's height deep; plus cork bark or moss as a hide and a shallow water dish. Keep the bottom layer damp, and let the surface dry out
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, roaches, flies) of a suitable size
- Feeding interval
- Adults 1x per week to every two weeks; juveniles every 7–10 days, slings 2x per week.
Key facts
- Adult size
- body length about 2–3 cm; leg span depending on trade form: large form about 9–10 cm, small form about 5–6 cm
- Life expectancy
- females approx. 8–10 years, males only 3–4 years
- Origin
- Colombia
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is recommended (a risk of cannibalism). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
An easy-care, active dwarf and ground tarantula; keep the substrate slightly damp. A New World species with urticating hairs (skin irritation); the venom is harmless to humans.
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Related species
- Pumpkin patch tarantula (Hapalopus sp. Colombia) – Beginner
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- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
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- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Pumpkin patch tarantula (Hapalopus formosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20 x 20 x 20 cm (an adult female)), substrate (Diggable, lightly moist substrate of coco fibre or soil, about a third to half the enclosure's height deep; plus cork bark or moss as a hide and a shallow water dish. Keep the bottom layer damp, and let the surface dry out), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, arachno-world.shop, eur-lex.europa.eu, thetarantulacollective.com, tomsbigspiders.com
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).