Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (Hapalopus formosus Klein) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

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 2030 liters vertical for a single adult

• Substrate: 46 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil (for base of enclosure)

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

• Humidity: 7080%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 2428C

  • Night: 2024C

• 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 23 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: 2030 L substrate, hides

• Temp: Day 2428C / Night 2024C

• Humidity: 7080%

• 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.