Hapalopus guerreroi (Gothic Pumpkin Patch Tarantula)

The Gothic Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (or Speckle Patch) is a dwarf terrestrial out of Colombia that only gets more striking as it grows. Slings hatch out already showing black and orange, brighten as they grow, and then begin to darken again once they pass about 2.5 inches, working toward the deep, black based adult look described next. Adults have a black base overtone, with legs that are nearly solid black with bronze highlights and a bluish tint through the femurs, a black carapace (head) with bronze orange accents along the fangs and around the edge, and a deep orange abdomen, a moodier, more gothic take on the classic Pumpkin Patch's lighter, yellow orange coloration. Grab this new world tarantula for sale today if you want one of the most uniquely colored dwarves in the hobby.

Why do hobbyists keep Hapalopus guerreroi?

• Black, Bronze, Orange Coloration: Adults display a black base with bronze highlights and a bluish tint on the legs, bronze orange accents around the carapace and fangs, and a deep orange abdomen, one of the more unique color combinations in the hobby.
• Drastic Color Change: Slings hatch out black and orange, brighten with each molt until they reach about 2.5 inches, and then begin darkening again, working toward the black based, bronze accented adult look, a real two phase transformation that keeps this species interesting at every stage.
• Heavy Webber: Builds noticeable webbing throughout the enclosure, keeping the setup looking active and lived in.
• Rare in the Hobby: A relatively recent addition to the hobby that is still building its footing, making it a fun find for collectors who like something less common.

How should Hapalopus guerreroi be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches around 4 to 5 inches at full leg span, a solidly sized dwarf with real presence.
• Enclosure: Choose an enclosure at least twice the leg span in width, depth, and height. At full adult size that works out to roughly 8 to 10 inches in each dimension, with enough substrate depth to support light burrowing.
• Temperature: 65-75°F, normal room temperature works well.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate damp but not saturated, resembling the texture and color of coffee grounds. Organic coconut fiber works well since it resists mold and holds humidity steadily. Good ventilation is critical.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, or mealworms sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Docile but fast, generally calm day to day but quick to move when startled. Give it secure cover and it settles in well.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Where the Name Comes From: This species hatches out black and orange, brightens as it grows, and then darkens into a black based adult coloration with bronze highlights on the legs and carapace and a deep orange abdomen. Instead of the classic Pumpkin Patch's lighter, yellow orange coloration, this one has a black base with deep orange and bronze accents layered on top, which is where the Gothic Pumpkin Patch name comes from. Long time keepers may still recognize it under its former listing name, the Speckle Patch Tarantula.
• Coloration Keeps Developing: The coloration shown in our photos is from a young adult, and this species keeps deepening into its full black based, bronze accented look beyond that stage, so what you see here is not the final look, it only gets better from here.
• Ventilation Matters: Proper ventilation helps prevent condensation from building up inside the enclosure, which keeps this species healthy long term.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.