Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (Hapalopus formosus Klein) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
Scientific Name	Hapalopus formosus Klein form
Origin	Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Adult Size	12–15 cm leg span
Lifespan	Females: 12–15 years, Males: 3–5 years
Activity	Terrestrial, nocturnal predator

Behavior

• Fast, nervous, and defensive; not recommended for handling.

• Terrestrial.

• Active hunter at night; may display threat posture when disturbed.
  

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 liters vertical for a single adult

• Substrate: 4–6 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil (for base of enclosure)

• Decor: Cork bark, branches, and vertical surfaces for climbing and retreats

• Humidity: 70–80%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect only

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; highly territorial and defensive.

• Avoid cohabiting with other spiders or arthropods.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live prey:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; very fast and defensive.

• Maintain proper humidity and provide climbing surfaces for retreats.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove mold and waste.

• Secure lid required; excellent climber and escape-prone if stressed.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥20–30 L substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 70–80%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide climbing surfaces and silk retreats

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.