Essential Facts About the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula
If you’re curious about keeping a tarantula but feel a bit intimidated, the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula is one of the best places to start. These tiny, striking spiders are beginner-friendly, low-maintenance, and—believe it or not—pretty chill.
We’ve had our fair share of exotic pets over the years, and Pumpkin Patches are among the easiest we've cared for. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of bringing one home.
Why Pumpkin Patch Tarantulas Make Great First Spiders
Pumpkin Patch Tarantulas (Hapalopus sp. Colombia) are native to—you guessed it—Colombia, so they’re used to warm, humid conditions. They’re small (hence the nickname “dwarf tarantulas”), beautifully patterned with orange and black like a little Halloween decoration, and surprisingly docile.
They’re not aggressive, and instead of throwing up a threat pose when startled, they usually just retreat to their burrow. They're also less likely to flick their urticating hairs (the itchy defense hairs some tarantulas can shoot). Still, always wash your hands after handling them or working in their habitat.
Plus, they’re affordable—usually under $25—and easy to care for, making them a win for first-time arachnid owners.
Size, Temperament, and Lifespan
There are two types:
- Groot (large): Females grow up to 4 inches in diagonal leg span.
- Klein (small): Max out at about 2.5 inches.
Females live up to 10 years. Males, only about 3–4. Most keepers prefer females for their longevity, but if you want a shorter-term commitment, a male might suit you better.
Setting Up Their Home
Enclosure:
- Adult females do well in a 2.5-gallon tank.
- Juveniles and slings (babies) can live in smaller containers like 30–50 dram vials.
- These guys love to burrow, so make sure at least half the enclosure is filled with substrate (more for smaller containers).
Substrate mix we use:
- Coconut fiber
- A bit of dirt (for structure)
- Peat moss
- Vermiculite (helps retain moisture)
Add a piece of cork bark or something similar so your spider has a place to start its burrow.
Decor:
Branches, rocks, and live or fake plants will help mimic their natural habitat and give them more places to hide and feel secure.
Security:
These tarantulas are tiny escape artists. Make sure your enclosure is well-sealed but still has small ventilation holes they can’t squeeze through.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature:
Keep it around 78–82°F (around 80°F is perfect). A small heat bulb and a good thermometer will help you stay consistent.
Humidity:
Aim for around 75% (anywhere between 65–90% is okay). Mist one side of the enclosure and leave the other dry to give them options. A basic hygrometer will help you monitor it.
Feeding & Water
What to feed:
- Slings: wingless fruit flies
- Juveniles: baby crickets
- Adults: crickets or small roaches
Feed once a week. Prey should be no bigger than half the size of the tarantula.
During molts:
Don’t feed at all—molting is when they’re most vulnerable. Always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to avoid accidents.
Water:
Provide a tiny water bowl and mist plants or enclosure walls. Some tarantulas never use the bowl, but others do. Either way, it’s good to offer both.
Handling & Safety
Pumpkin Patches are one of the few tarantulas we’d even consider handling. They’re generally calm, but they’re still fragile—especially during molts—so only handle them if you’re confident and gentle.
Two methods we use:
- Pinch grip between the second and third legs—done carefully, this immobilizes them briefly so you can relocate them safely.
- Coaxing them to walk onto your hand or into a container. Only try this once they’re settled into their new home and used to your presence.
And remember—no matter how docile they seem, never bring them close to your face. Even the gentlest tarantula can flick hairs or get spooked.
A Note on Housing More Than One
Tempted to keep two in the same tank? Don’t. Even though they aren’t super territorial, they are still cannibalistic. You might get lucky for a while, but eventually, one will molt, be defenseless, and the other might turn it into a snack. It’s just not worth the risk.
When to Call a Vet
Yes, exotic vets for tarantulas are a thing—and you should locate one before you need them. Common issues include molting problems and oral nematodes (a kind of mouth infection you’ll notice as white gunk and loss of appetite). A vet can treat it safely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about getting into the tarantula world, Pumpkin Patch Tarantulas are a great first step. They’re low-maintenance, beautiful, and much more approachable than some of their larger, moodier cousins.
Start with one, set up their space right, and you might just find yourself falling in love with the world of spiders. I know I didn’t expect to enjoy them as much as I do—but once you see those little orange patches peeking out from a burrow, it’s hard not to smile.
