SPECIAL NOTE: USPS forbids shipping venomous spiders or scorpions in the mail.

Because of this, we ship these animals FedEx priority overnight for a flat fee of $39.99.

 Defining Characteristics:

• Formerly known as Hapalopus sp. Colombia "Large", this was changed when the genus was revised
• A species of dwarf tarantula
• This species originates from Colombia and is available in two size forms

Name: Hapalopus formosus "Large", or the Pumpkin patch Tarantula. The genus translates to "simple" (hapalo-), and "foot" (-pus). The common name references the spider’s orange spots and black patterning on its abdomen which resemble somewhat a group of pumpkins.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Hapalopus formosus is a terrestrial species. Surface area of the enclosure should be no less than two times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and three times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

This is a burrowing species, so the enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture (cork bark, manzanita wood, etc.) as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the 75-80° range. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: 60-70% is the ideal range, which is easily achieved by overflowing the water dish and allowing that section of substrate to dry out partially before doing so again. Depending on location and/or season, a supplemental misting 1-2 times a week may be necessary.

A reliable hygrometer is strongly recommended to monitor humidity within the enclosure.

Size: At the time of sale, these specimens are at least 1/8 of an inch. Adults of this form grow up to 4 inches, with females slightly out-measuring males.

Age: Females can live 8-10 years, and males have a much shorter life expectancy at 3-4 years. Females mature in about 2 years while males mature in as little as 1 year.

Feeding: These slings are currently eating Drosophila melanogaster or D. hydei fruit flies. As they grow, so should their prey. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: To identify a male or female before it has reached sexual maturity, you will need to examine its cast skin. In females, this will have a folded area in the abdominal region which will eventually connect to her spermatheca when she is mature.

Due to their age, Pumpkin patch tarantulas sold by Josh's Frogs are unsexed.

Color/Pattern: Light brown or tannish body and legs, with an abdomen sporting several orange spots (the titular “pumpkin patch”) separated by black.

Social Behavior: Hapalopus formosus “Large” are not social creatures, any attempts to cohabitate will likely result in cannibalism.

Natural Range: Pacific coast of Colombia

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if the Pumpkin patch tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!