THE SPINNERETTE
ISSUE 5
HAPALOPUS SP. COLOMBIA CARE TIPS, TAXONOMY + HISTORY
GLOBAL EXPOS
ENCLOSURE INSPIRATION 1
happy halloween!
Myself and my spider darlings hope you had a great summer and are enjoying
the start of fall! This issue is special because it's being released just in time for October, around my favorite holiday - Halloween!
In the spirit of Halloween and all things spooky (and precious), this issue focuses on the Pumpkin Patch tarantula, also known as the Hapalopus sp. Colombia! We've got a bunch of other beautiful spiders in here, too, as well as some
awesome enclosure designs for the holiday! Big thank you to the Tarantula
Heaven and The Tarantula Community groups for helping me curate these pics!
And of course it's critical for me to mention that as we are getting into the colder
months (especially if you're on the East Coast in the USA like me), to make sure to take proper safety precautions when ensuring your tarantulas stay warm!
If you are interested in submitting feedback, being a part of future issues, or contacting me for advertising, you can do so at theavenmag@gmail.com!
Spider hugs,
Patricia, Spidey + Blinky (my tarantula babies)
Tarantulaheaven.com / Tarantula Tuesday Newsletter FOLLOW MY TARANTULA STUFF!
Questions / Comments? Feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com
The cover image is credited to Chris Saville. Copyright Š 2019 Patricia Colli
Photo credit: David Andrzejewski
Photo credit: Chris Saville
TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 10 12 20 26 38 40
Hapalopus sp. Columbia "Pumpkin Patch" Tarantula Taxonomy
By Michael Fantus
Hapalopus sp. Colombia Care Tips By Patricia Colli
History To What's In A Name
By BillieJo Champagne
What Can Be Found In A Pumpkin Patch? By Brooklyn
Community (tarantula photo submissions) An amazing collection from tarantula lovers like you!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming tarantula conventions and expos around the world
Sources + References
A list of sources and references from articles in this issue
HAPALOPUS SP. COLOMBIA: “PUMPKIN PATCH TARANTULA” TAXONOMY
By Michael Fantus
It is very exciting to be alive in 2019 and learn there are still plants and animals in the world being discovered, given proper names and finding their way into the company of people that enjoy raising them as pets. Taxonomy The process of discovering, “describing” and assigning an official pedigree to a new organism is a big deal! If you are the botanist, biologist, arachnologist, or even an amateur that is able to locate and register something no one has before, you are like a star in the scientific community.
Taxonomy, you may remember from middle school biology, places an organism into 9 boxes called “taxons” (Taxonomic Rank, 2019). They are:
The key is, this has to be done exactly perfectly right. Not only because of the incredible pressure and competition in the science world for publishing purposes, but proper taxonomy, the science of classifying and cataloging the lifeforms on the planet earth serves valuable purposes. Species density is one (Bronham, 2013). Species density tells us how well the earth is doing with sustaining life in its various biospheres and also whether or not a particular creature is what we call endemic, that is isolated to a particular place, whether it is threatened, endangered, a hybrid or is even completely out of control.
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Tarantula taxonomy includes other distinctions: New or Old World - there are a few distinguishing characteristics that appear to follow geography:
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Hapalopus sp. Colombia, cont’d
Hapalopus sp. Colombia or “Pumpkin Patch” is a New World species native to Colombia. Hapalopus means “like a shrew." Hapalopus is a genus of spiders in the Theraphosidae family. It was first described in 1875 by Ausserer; as of 2017, it contains 8 South American species. There are 8 species and this new one, which is in need of its final species identity, (Hapalopus, n.d.). Formal classification for this species across its taxa is as follows (Hapalopus, 2019):
Photo credit: Petra Plesovszki
8 Photo credit: Charli Murray
Distribution: Hapalopus sp. are distributed from Panama to Bolivia, including Guyana, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela. They are dwarf tarantulas in hobby jargon. The most popular species is Hapalopus sp. “Colombia, large.” Hapalopus sp. “Colombia, small” and Hapalopus triseriatus are somewhat less commonly found. H. triseriatus, from Venezuela, is distinguished from sp. Colombia by darkened femurs and a triangular orange-gold patch on the carapace. Lineages said
to be “highland” and “lowland” are perpetuated overseas, (Arachnoiden.com, n.d.). Status: Hapalopus sp. Colombia is not yet listed as an endangered species yet, though concerns over habitat loss due to development are likely to cause registration to take place in the near future. Once the species is formally described and studied, the process of determining registration eligibility will be undertaken.
ABOUT MICHAEL Michael Fantus’ day job is marketing in a Washington DC Association. His hobbies include fiction writing, music composition, French horn playing, redwood bonsai, and tarantulizing. He is the author of a novel, the Rage of Ganymede and the Lightning Manifesto. (Never ask a girl her age, and I have a partner named Stefen Styrsky who works in legal services, is a published fiction and technical writer, as well as a film critic. He avoids the tarantulas).
Flip to the back to see references for this article!
Photo credit: Panhandle Arachnids 9
Hapalopus sp. Colombia CARE TIPS BASIC INFO Common name: Pumpkin Patch, Colombian Pumpkin Patch tarantula
Scientific name: Hapalopus sp. Colombia
Type: New World (dwarf), terrestrial
Size: Groot/Large species will be about 3- 4". Small/Klein species will grow to be about 2 -2.5".
Growth rate: Fast
Origin: Colombia
Experience level: Beginner, this tarantula is known to be docile. Life span: Males mature within 2-3 years, females can live 8-10 years
APPEARANCE The Pumpkin Patch gets its name from the orange markings on its abdomen. Slings begin to show their adult coloration once they get to 2nd or 3rd instar. BEHAVIOR Attitude: Pumpkin Patches tend to be quite docile and are reported to have a low risk of defensive behavior however they can be quite skittish and fast. Bite danger: Due to their small size and New World nature, Pumpkin Patch tarantulas do not pose a major risk in most cases. Their venom is very low to mild in toxicity.
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Defensive behavior: The Pumpkin Patch tarantula has been reported to be tolerant in temperament and not as likely to display defensive behavior as other species. They rarely go into a threat posture or kick hairs and prefer to hide and run away. Handling: As with any tarantula, handling a Pumpkin Patch tarantula should be kept to a minimum. Due to its small size, this is an easy tarantula to have escape and lose.
DIET + NUTRITION The Pumpkin Patch tarantula can be fed flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets and any type of small roaches. The Pumpkin Patch tarantula can also eat mealworms and superworms.
Photo credit: Jared Botelho
HOUSING Substrate: A few inches of dry substrate (can use peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber) are suitable. Decor: Pumpkin Patch tarantulas are opportunistic burrowers, so bark or other decor for a starter burrow hide is good. Ventilation: This species needs a tank with adequate ventilation on the top of the tank via small holes or slots.
Enclosure: This tarantula should be kept in a small terrestrial setup with a good amount of substrate, a starter burrow and water dish. Humidity: Appropriate humidity can be kept by providing a water dish at all times. Misting and wetting the substrate is not necessary.
Water: A shallow water dish must always be present. Temperature: This species can be comfortably kept at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Collection notes: This species is extremely popular for its striking markings and small size.
FUN FACTS This species is known for being a very heavy webber and you can count on it webbing the entire enclosure once it feels at home.
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THE HISTORY TO WHAT’S IN A NAME
By BillieJo Champagne
As a tarantula hobbyist, it intrigues me to find out the history and background of the species I particularly choose. Questions that run through my mind consist of where the tarantula originates, learning the scientific name, the common name and how that may have been established, as well as conservation status. There are 800 species of tarantulas around the world and Hapalopus sp. Colombia was a tarantula I had never heard of before. Looking into this colorful species, I not only found a history but also why it’s important to have scientific names correct in communication of tarantulas. During the time period of 1850 to 1900, natural history study became an important part of society as various museums were built throughout Europe. Using the skill of arachnologists and entomologists, museums were looking for new species from overseas to display within their walls. Hundreds of species were discovered during this period. In 1875, an Austrian naturalist who specialized in spiders journeyed to South America. He documented and categorized the Hapalopus as a genus of spiders in the Theraphosidae family. This man was Anton Ausserer. The genus of this new spider translated into “hapalo”-simple and “pus”-foot. (The common name of such tarantula would later become 12 credit: Anja Sutton Photo
There has been a lot of controversy over the scientific name of the Hapalopus sp. Colombia. Initially, when sold in America and South Africa, this species was sold as Hapalopus Formosus. There are two very distinct species of the Pumpkin Patch tarantula that exist. When inspecting the tarantula there is a name division between small and large, and this further develops the name of the Pumpkin Patch.
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the Pumpkin Patch). Such genus contains eight South American species, as of 2017. Hapalopus sp. Colombia, which originates from the South American country of Colombia, has been found to be available in two sizes.
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The Germans who were the first to breed this species, referred to the H. sp. Colombia as “groot,” translated to large. The other division of the species was referred to as “klein,” translated from German as small.
Hapalopus sp. Colombia, also referred to as H. Colombia, or even Hapalopus Formosus, have all been found to be the same species
Photo credit: Márk Ebergényi 13
The History To What's In A Name, cont'd
according to various researchers. Long story short, the Hapalopus sp. Colombia Large or the Hapalopus sp. Colombia Small are best to be referred to as their true names, to avoid any confusion and the potential of cross breeding. Hapalopus sp. Colombia has a common name of Pumpkin Patch tarantula, which many individuals reference due to the black patterning and orange spots on this tarantula’s abdomen. This patterning is seen as resembling a group of pumpkins.
The Pumpkin Patch tarantula is sometimes mistaken for the Pumpkin Spider, which is also referred to as the European garden spider, or cross orb weaver.
Photo credit: Kayla Hatheway
This New World terrestrial has become readily available through online retailers. The availability is a positive in the tarantula trade, but also has a downfall in keeping the species authentic. There has been speculation whether the Hapalopus sp. Colombia was interbred in South Africa over time. Conservation status for the H. Colombia shows that this species is “not evaluated� or formally described by science. The IUCN red list status puts the Pumpkin Patch tarantula in this category as the taxonomy has not been fully recorded. In the future, further evaluation of the Hapalopus sp. Colombia will allow for conservation of the species as well as identifying key sites and habitats that may need to be protected. 14
Photo credit: David Andrzejewski
Photo credit: Kevin Kirsch
Photo credit: Devorah Bach
The History To What's In A Name, cont'd
Photo credit: Panhandle Arachnids 16
Photo credit: Patricia Comstock
While doing research on the Hapalopus sp. Colombia, one reference to this tarantula was “Hapalopus sp. whoknowswhat.” Those in the tarantula hobby enjoy learning where the species they acquire come from. Whether it’s New or Old World, arboreal or terrestrial. Many forums refer to tarantulas by their scientific name, but in rare occurrences, such as the one with Hapalopus sp. Colombia, multiple names could be referenced including the two various sizes. Back in 1875 when Anton Ausserer documented what is now called the Pumpkin Patch tarantula, I don’t think he could have even imagined the importance of the name given to this tarantula or the distinct history it would partake.
ABOUT BILLIEJO BillieJo Champagne is a mother of two girls, 11 and 13, who can be a handful. She attends UW-Parkside majoring in English with a minor in psychology as well as a creative writing certificate. Her love for what others close to her refer to as "creepy crawlies" began when she was young. Now she owns 5 tarantulas and has begun to pass down her interests to her youngest daughter, who loves helping out in their care, especially feeding. She doesn't have a favorite tarantula, but learning new facts about various species is something that draws her in deeper to the hobby.
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KIDS CORNE of the web 18
ER
Photo credit: Scott Dade 19
WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN A PUMPKIN PATCH?
By Brooklyn
Just like choosing a breed of dog because of size, or a cat because of color, spiders have varying traits as well, including personality. Spiders often get a bad reputation, and many times people greet these eightlegged creatures with screams or the bottom of a shoe. Yet others take them in as beloved pets.
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Photo credit: Greg Thrasher
Photo credit: Sarah E Craft
Many individuals observe spiders and consider them interesting, beautiful and fascinating. One of those in favor of tarantulas is “Jungle Bob” Smith, who stated “spiders are much maligned, and made out to be bad, but that’s not the case. They are secretive and want to be left alone. But they are fun to watch because they are interesting.” One tarantula that people find interesting is the Hapalopus sp. Colombia, or commonly know as the Pumpkin Patch tarantula. This species of tarantula is one of the most sought-after dwarf species of tarantulas. Being classified as a dwarf tarantula, it has been considered a cute little spider, that appears to have pumpkins on its abdomen.
The Pumpkin Patch tarantula has these markings on a jet-black background, with striking coloration of bright orange throughout. It should also be known that these colors begin to show very early in the tarantula’s life span. This New World terrestrial tarantula is one of the “must-haves” in any hobbyists’ collections. One hobbyist stated how prospective owners will be “immediately floored by the appearance of this T.” Scrolling through Mike’s Basic Tarantulas you can find information on the care of these tarantulas, as well as his observation of the species, and his opinion that “you will not be disappointed with this species. Not to mention it is one of the most colorful tarantulas I’ve seen.”
Photo credit: John Christopher Lioncio Jaso-Jaso 21
What Can Be Found In A Pumpkin Patch, cont’d
Prospective buyers of the Pumpkin Patch can be assured that this species is fast growing and can reach a leg span of three to four inches. Observations have concluded that the growth rate of this tarantula is one of the fastest. Of course, there are noticeable differences between the large and small species of H. Colombia, one such difference was recorded by an American keeper. This tarantula owner had a Pumpkin Patch that was measured just under 5 inches. This dwarf tarantula originates from Colombia and is available in two sizes. Deciding upon whether selecting the large or small, some individuals state that there are significant visual differences between the two species. One such observation concluded that this was a gorgeous little dwarf spider, with plenty of attitude. Another person described the Pumpkin Patch as a small species, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in attitude and personality. Canadian keepers have kept the two species separated, in hopes of preventing interbreeding amongst the two divisions.
Those looking into selecting the Pumpkin Patch not only should admire the bright orange abdominal markings, or the differences in size, but also that they are aggressive feeders and hunters. These tarantulas will often feed on insects larger than itself. This species of tarantula has been noted to be very hardy, easy to care for, with a great appetite. 22
Photo credit: Sophie Swaney
Photo credit: Petra Plesovzski 23
What Can Be Found In A Pumpkin Patch, cont’d
Photo credit: Ner Vincent Paralejas
24 Photo credit: Sarah E Craft
Photo credit: Janrhick G. Pucio
The Hapalopus sp. Colombia has been coined as a great beginner tarantula that is very calm and rarely strikes a threat pose, bite, or flick hairs. Displaying a peaceful temperament and generally slow to become aggravated, the Pumpkin Patch tarantula can be shy and nervous, usually preferring to retreat at quick speeds. Many keepers tend to consider them escape artists, that will make a mad dash for any opening when disturbed.
a tremendous amount of personality.” Remember when selecting a new companion, whether it be a dog, cat, bird, or fish, a very important factor is, can they be left alone for a weekend? Well, tarantula owners can pride themselves on owning a low maintenance pet that won’t cause a disaster while away from home.
Acquiring a Pumpkin Patch tarantula through a reputable online retailer is one way to experience and observe the building of intricate webbing by this species. Even though this tarantula can be skittish, it does some very intense webbing and tunneling out in the open of its enclosure. This species is a great display tarantula and has been said that it will turn its enclosure into a webbed labyrinth.
ABOUT BROOKLYN Hello everyone! I want to start out sharing that I do not own a tarantula myself, but if I had my choice in selecting an eight-legged companion, it would be the Heteropoda davidbowie. If you are trying to figure out why I would make this choice, it’s because David Bowie is one of my favorite music artists. I do own six hermit crabs, as well as a dog named Luna and another named Faith. My cat’s name is Socks.
The Pumpkin Patch tarantula has been said to be a great tarantula suited for beginner and advanced keepers alike. When deciding to add the Hapalopus sp. Colombia to your collection, or selecting as your very first tarantula purchase, remember that Fear Not Tarantulas described them as “small, but they sure have a lot of spunk! This delightful dwarf species offers
I enjoy riding horses and taking lessons with my sister in our free time. We are part of the show team at the stable we ride at. I also enjoy drawing and crafts, with Art being one of my favorite classes in school. In my free time I also enjoy watching the TV show Riverdale and reading. 25
Photo credit: Insects Unlocked
In this section we highlight tarantula owners from around the world and share their experiences. To make a submission, email theavenmag@gmail.com!
tarantula
COMMU 26
a
UNITY 27
Brachypelma boehmei "Lucinda" 28 Photo credit: BillieJo Champagne
Photo credit: Tosha Willow Pritchett 29
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens " Cerebus" Photo credit: BillieJo Champagne
Poecilotheria regalis "Bloody Mary" Photo credit: BillieJo Champagne
Lasiodora parahybana "Cupcake" Photo credit: Josh Gray
Theraphosa stirmi "Mindy" (confirmed female) Photo credit: White Lightning
Theraphosa stirmi "Mini Me" molting Photo credit: White Lightning
Theraphosa stirmi "Mini Me" molting Photo credit: White Lightning
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UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING 2019-2020 GLOBAL EXPOS WITH TARANTULAS EUROPE DATE
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EVENT
LOCATION
November 7
Southern Invertebrate Show
Brighton, England
December 14
Terraristika Trade Show
Hamm, Germany
Photo credit: Alex Fischer
UNITED STATES DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
October 13
GBAS Exotic Pet Fair
Kaukauna, WI
October 27
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
Bridgeton, MO
November 17
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
Davenport, IA
December 1
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
Bridgeton, MO
December 7
Kentucky Reptile Expo
Lexington, KY
December 8
Cin City Reptile Show
West Chester, OH
December 14
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
Springfield, MO
January 12
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
Janesville, WI
Photo credit: Ardila Maisara 39
REFERENCES Hapalopus sp. Colombia “Pumpkin Patch Tarantula� TAXONOMY Author: Michael Fantus (n.d.). Hapalopus triseriatus (highland) 1/4". Retrieved from https://arachnoiden.com/product/hapalopustriseriatus-1-4/ Bonham, C. (2013, April 14). Density. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1002/9781118534540.ch7 Hapalopus. (2019, August 24). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapalopus (n.d.). Hapalopus. Retrieved from https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Hapalopus Taxonomic rank. (2019, September 3). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomic_rank
40 Photo credit: Christina Roberts
Photo credit: Anja Sutton 41
til next time!
Thank you for supporting The Spinnerette and the Halloween/ Pumpkin Patch tarantula issue, the fifth digital magazine! Big fuzzy and furry thank you to all who support the magazine's Patreon page (or bought an issue)! Without you all, it would not be possible. If you have any feedback about how this magazine could be improved or things you’d like to see this magazine cover, please feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com. You can also email me if you’d like to submit something to the magazine or pitch an idea for a future issue! As always, you can find me on Facebook in my tarantula group, or subscribe to my Patreon to see more behind the scenes content about this magazine and my life with my tarantulas. A big spider wave to you!!! Stay well and Happy Halloween!
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