Invertebrate Interests is authored & photographed by Lillie Nyte of Inverts Unlimited
Pumpkin Patch Hapalopus sp. Colombia (large)
General Description
Hapalopus sp Courtesy of Lillie Nyte Inverts Unlimited
Synonyms: Hapalopus sp. Colombia (gros), Hapalopus formosus, Typhochlaena magdalena, Avicularia magdalenae
Common name(s): Pumpkin patch
Keeper experience: Beginner to intermediate
Adult size: Considered a dwarf species with females only reaching 3 – 4 inches in leg span, males reach approximately 2.25 – 2.75 inches
Growth rate: Fast, males can reach maturity in under a year with females maturing within 2 years
Lifespan: Females approximately 8 – 10 years, Males 2 – 3+ years
Type: Terrestrial, opportunistic burrower
Temperament: Fast moving and can be defensive but not likely to bite. Prefers escape to confrontation
Venom: Mild
Urticating hairs: Yes, but rarely attempts to kick hairs as long as escape is possible
Natural distribution: Colombia
Conservation status: Not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Hapalopus sp Courtesy of Lillie Nyte Inverts Unlimited
Captive Care
Hapalopus sp.
Temperature: Room temperature, Low 70’s to low 80’s Fahrenheit
Humidity: Mid-range 60 – 75 percent
Substrate: 3 – 4 inches of slightly moist coco fiber that is regularly dampened on one side
Prey items: Not picky, will readily feed on crickets, roaches, and mealworms
Miscellany: This species will heavily web their entire enclosures and are likely to run at any disturbance. They display adult coloration at only 0.5 inches as second or third instar spiderlings.