Featured Species #6 Hapalopus sp. Colombia Large "Pumpkin Patch" Care

[@SpiderdayNightLive]

Hi Tom, thanks for doing a video on this species. I am a Colombian-American spider scientist and I have been keeping several Colombian tarantulas as a fun way to have a connection with my homeland. My H. sp Colombia is growing well and quite fun to watch hunt. I wanted to make a quick note on your temp data for Colombia--the country has a LOT of elevation changes, so there are cities where it does get pretty cold and even snows. The min. avg temp for the whole country may be in the 60s, but there are some tarantulas from higher elevations (though not this one, as far as I know).

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you SO MUCH for chiming in on this. When I do these, I'm often able to check with keepers who live in the region to make sure the climate information is correct. I was struggling to find specifics about the temperatures, and some of the info I found was contradictory. I'm so sorry about that. The other thing I was trying to find is whether this species could be found in the higher elevations. It sounded like it did not, so I'm relieved to hear that I got that aspect correct. Again, thank you for taking the time to get me the correct information. I will pin this so that others can see it!

[@SpiderdayNightLive]

@@TomsBigSpiders No worries! To be clear, I don't live in Colombia (currently in Pittsburgh for my PhD), and the temps you gave are a good guide for most of the species I've seen in the hobby, including sp. Colombia. But if we get higher elevation species at some point it may be that they need some cooler periods. Ive seen a few high elevation (Ecuadorian, IIRC) species on sale at Arachnoiden. (Also, I just like to emphasize diversity of habitats Colombia has). Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos. The fact that you filter through all the misinformation on the internet means so much. The videos and the podcast have been an amazing guide as I got into tarantula keeping; my research is on jumping spiders, so there was a lot I didn't know.

[@amberd2841]

Loved your video! Great footage! Also one of my favorite Ts. Possibly my favorite. Yesterday I was feeding fruit flies to my spiderling and it looked like she was planning on jumping into the fly tube. I had to put the lid on and wait for her to go back in her burrow. So much spunk and such a fun spider!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Amber! Hahaha you have a spunky little one there! Thanks!

[@sarahmacdonald5768]

My sling has so much attitude, I love it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, these guys are quite bold even when small!

[@arachnobox6986]

Thanks Tom super informational as usual

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@cornbread2002]

Neischnocolus sp. "Panama" is my favorite dwarf. But love this guy's too. Thank you for leaving up the pop ups longer.

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

That is actually my favourite dwarf species as well. My girl is always out and about where I can see her. They are very underrated.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I will definitely have to check that one out! Thank you! And you're welcome. I tried to stretch them out a little bit.

[@kaidengathings3096]

You have such cool videos, I love watching them, even if I don't own the specific species, thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that! :)

[@heathbates2220]

I've gotten so many species because of Tom's videos. Dwarfs have always kinda been my thing. I used to think pumkin patches were ugly but I've recently taken a liking to them. I'm looking for smalls all I ever see is larges. I'm the opposite of you. I started loving dwarfs and THEN got into the biggest species'.

[@carolineadams7283]

Perfect timing my adult female pumpkin patch arrived today she’s beautiful

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's great, Caroline! Congrats on your girl! :)

[@BrettOPediaTV]

I get paid Thursday and this species has been on my radar a long time! I want one so bad! Thanks for making this video!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Brett! You definitely need to grab one. They are awesome spiders. And thank YOU for watching!

[@jim1550]

Really appreciate the time and effort you spend out of your off time to make these videos. Always informative.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Jon! :) These take a while to put together, but I LOVE doing them. :)

[@marat5617]

I am so thankful for you and your videos, Tom! I have recently gotten into the hobby (December of 2022 I adopted my first T spiderling) and my collection has steadily grown each month from July 2023 to now. I currently have 11 T's and two of them are Pumpkin Patches. The one I adopted last month has made it's tunnel/web on a piece of star moss and already molted. I am blown away at how tiny the spiderlings are 😍Your video gave me knowledge that other vids I watched did not, and for that, I'm grateful 😃 Do you have any of the Kleins? I'm thinking of getting some, but haven't yet. Thank you for taking the time to read this comment. I hope you, your family and all of your critters are doing well. Enjoy the weekend coming up and be blessed!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Marat! I love hearing when people find this stuff to be usefull. I do not currently have any of the Kliens, although I would love to keep them some day! Thanks again!

[@kevinstreet5709]

Tom ,thank you for your work, grateful reciept from England

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Greetings from the US, Kevin! And thank you!

[@morgankennedy6708]

I have two of these now and I love them! Fun, seem pretty hardy and the coloration is definitely a bonus. Thanks for the feature!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Morgan! Yeah, they are quite tough little spiders. :) Thanks for chiming in! :)

[@webbersandpinchers2260]

Recently purchased a couple of 1/8" catumiri argentinensis slings. Adult size is 1". Dwarf species definitely captured my attention. Hapalopus sp. Columbia large and Klein are now on my wish list now. Great video once again. You're like an encyclopedia of tarantula knowledge. Love the channel 💙

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I definitely have to get that species. I have C. parvum and love it. I would love to find the "Klein" as well! Thank you so much!

[@thatdadlife619]

These videos are so helpful. No rock unturned👍🕷🕸

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I try to cover everything I can think of.

[@tink2276]

Awesome video Tom. Stay safe.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Tink! Thank you so much. You as well!

[@waynen5488]

I have been wanting to learn more about these guys. Thanks for the vid!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awesome, Wayne! Thank YOU for commenting! :)

[@johnhorne2173]

I just started collecting tarantulas in January, of the 24 that I have, 2 of those are this particular species. They're so freaking tiny! Thanks Tom for the video. Big fan of the podcast also.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, John! They start of tiny, but they put on size pretty quickly. Hopefully, yours beef up for you soon. :) Thanks so much!

[@kylekubaskaaz]

As always, awesome video Tom! I've been thinking about getting one of these species, now I'm sold. Thanks again for the great info!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Thanks so much, Kyle!

[@melissaapel6124]

I actually just got a sling a month ago and it is my first tarantula ever. I'm excited to see it grow. As of now it is not very active. Just hangs out on top the substrate against the enclosure wall.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Melissa! Congrats on entering the hobby! Does it have a little burrow or hide? :)

[@melissaapel6124]

As of now the enclosure has substrate and sphagnum moss. I will go ahead a open up a little burrow for it. Thank you for all your informative videos and replying to my comment! Edit: just dug a little burrow and it went straight in. Thank you for the advice!

[@kennyferrick1240]

I had a bit of a different experience. Mine wasn't skittish, never bolted out of the enclosure, never kicked hairs and easy handling, not any threat poses that I'm aware of. I'd say that it is true that they can have differences in personality cause I was prepared for a skittish and bolty tarantula that turned out to not be what I was expecting and. Absolutely gorgeous tho and made me actually to want to get another one. No guarantee that the other would be similar tho lol. Love them so much.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's great to hear! It's always cool to see how different the personalities can be within the same species.

[@robbiestalkingts]

Great video Tom, loved the little extras you have added to the video. This is an awesome species I'm yet to get one but I do feel inspired. Hope to talk soon, and home your family are doing well dispite the issues going on globally at the moment

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Robbie! And we are doing well, thank you! I hope that you and yours are okay as well!

[@robbiestalkingts]

@@TomsBigSpiders yeah all good my end day 5 of isolation so not much going on just getting through the chaos at the moment

[@ChacsBetta]

Thanks Tom with this video I was able to decide to get my trio 😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome...thank you!

[@ChacsBetta]

@@TomsBigSpiders thank you so much for your detailed husbandry videos

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great information as always.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Channy! Thank you so much! :)

[@1SaltyAmerican]

Another awesome video! 👍😊 now that we are all locked in the house these videos are important to our sanity 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha. Thank you, Gaylen! Yeah, we're starting to go a bit stir crazy over here!

[@brianlindsay9097]

Thank you for this. I haven't been keeping T's long, and I'm considering these. I did laugh at: "Prekill you roaches to prevent them playing dead" :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Well, they sure aren't playing after that, are they? haha

[@thesilentmothtrapper4373]

Amazing video, thank you very much Tom 😊!! Definitely will look into these

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awesome. Thank you for commenting! :)

[@thesilentmothtrapper4373]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank you for the amazing videos !!!!!

[@judygwen3977]

Super tutorial! Your videos are always so interesting. I love watching them though I don't own a tarantula. I have come to appreciate them rather than fear them through these videos.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh man, Judy...thank you so much! That really means a lot. I honestly only thought people that already kept them would enjoy my videos! :)

[@judygwen3977]

@@TomsBigSpiders Not at all! Of all creatures on Earth, spiders have been the one little creature that I have feared all my life. Watching your videos have made me see them in entirely different way. If I could own one, I would. I am far too handicapped to care for any pet or living creature besides myself at this time. I would never want one to suffer. I would probably be far too comfortable with tarantulas after watching your videos, especially the furry ones. I would be wanting to cuddle and pet! LMAO. I might get bitten at a time I'd be feeling too comfortable and friendly. LOL so I defer to you and your videos with much pleasure.😄🤗

[@jamesprice7470]

Great vid Tom very nice t I've just got the tiger rump great t.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, James! I love that species as well! :)

[@denisewhitney4819]

I love the dwarf species. My pumpkin patch will tuck itself away during the day and then come out at night and wander all over it's enclosure, which is just fine since it's in my tokay room so I'm in there every night with a pen light checking everyone out anyway lol. It's still a juvenile, but probably getting ready for a rehouse.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Denise! I love catching them all out at night! I sometimes sneak down early in the morning to see who is out and about. :)

[@jeffreygolish3827]

That new intro is pretty good, maybe the best that I've seen for a T channel. While the Pumpkin Patch isn't on my wish list, it does have a few qualities to recommend it. Size shouldn't be a factor. I have a couple of slings that will wind up being sizable adults. No need for them all to be big. Variety!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Jeffrey! And I agree completely about size. It just took me a little while to figure that out. :)

[@TheLinkoln18]

Another informative video, you spoil us, Thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you so much!

[@TheLinkoln18]

Tom Moran You are welcome, also update my M.Balfouri arrived today almost a month after I ordered them, they are alive and well, I am so happy 😁..

[@lumiii_-]

As a new and naive T' hobbyist, I ended up getting a hapalopus sp Columbia sling because it "looked cool" (not a good reason I know haha). It's been about almost 2 months with her now and all has been well! As far as my experience goes, moisture maintenance hasn't been that much of an issue; however their speed IS quite freaky! Mine likes to play it off like shes slow and docile, then BAM shes teleporting! But other then that, she's pretty easy to keep and I have only had to mist her dram twice. I have found that putting a pinch of sphagnum in her dram has been keeping her humidity at a good level and she's always happy to eat crushed up mealies :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Adam! So sorry for the delay! Yeah, they can be quite the handful, especially with the sudden burst of speed. Sphagnum does wonders for maintaining moisture! Thanks for chiming in!

[@XxHybridFreakxX]

Alright, you got me. I need to get one of these now.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Brian! Hahahaha Sorry? lol

[@XxHybridFreakxX]

@@TomsBigSpiders it's all good. I picked one up yesterday from fear not when I went to check out their store now that it's open to the public. Sooo tiny. 🤣

[@tinabbaker37]

Hi Tom and Billie. Just relaxing in between housework. Need to rehouse two pumpkin patches and mine are loopy so I'm just refreshing my knowledge and will be looking for a rehouse video. I have already rehoused the larger one I have and know what to do but want to be calm and ready to do the rehouses. Have been getting creative with all my enclosures which I'm sure you know. Love 💕 and lots of tight hugs 🤗 to all the Morans. Two, four and eight legged ones

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Tina! I hope that your rehousings go well (I'm sure that they will). Those pumpkin patches can be a handful! :)

[@ItsSlyFox]

Love this video. I acquired a H. Colombia lgr about a year and half ago. It matured as a male last month, and is now on a breeding loan. He's been paired twice with female now, and seems to have done a good job. Hopefully we'll get a healthy sac.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The males just mature so quickly. I know someone whose male matured in 6 months. That's crazy! Fingers crossed you get some slings!

[@amandahigh630]

I have started looking at the dwarf species. I have found most of them have beautiful coloration and spunk. Beautiful girl!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Amanda! What they lack in size they make up for in appearance and personality! Thank you!

[@edgufler1122]

Thank you very much for the video Tom. Appreciate the uploads for us to watch as the World is not going so great right now.. and these videos can distract us from that.... good stuff all around . Take care you and your family.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Ed! Yeah, things are really crazy right now... I do hope that you and yours are well. Stay safe, bud!

[@dw.imaging]

I have the dwarf version of these species coming in the mail today: I hope it is an enjoyment for my family.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Daniel! I haven't seen them offered for quite some time!

[@dw.imaging]

@@TomsBigSpiders it arrived safely. Got it from “Urban Tarantulas” out of California. It’s not posted on the website yet, but was able to get it and a few others by direct contact.

[@mrpoool1015]

Thx for the good information and entertaining video, currently raising my Hapalopus columbia large sling that's just about to hit the one inch mark.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Yours is getting big! :)

[@lesbullys24]

I just picked one up about 2 hours ago a slings with beautiful colors, should I rehome her or let her be ìn her Little medicine capsule?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If she's super tiny, the medicine capsule will probably be good until she puts on more size. Congrasts! I love this species.

[@radicalray07]

Mine is always in its hide so its extra special to see its beautiful pattern

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The daughter of the one featured in this video is like that, although she has been out more lately.

[@aebeezzhob2321]

Informative vlog again! Uwu! 👌🤟🕷🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Igo!

[@aebeezzhob2321]

@@TomsBigSpiders keep it up!! One if the best keeper teacher😊🤟🕷🕷🕷

[@jimmysheppard2853]

Timing 🤔. No matter how versed you think you are. Your videos are the pinnacle of information and ALL should pay attention and take notes. Great job Tom. Keep up the great work.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, Jimmy? :) Thank you so much for that. I really try to cover everything in these videos!

[@Mazhabb]

My fav dwarf species! I have 3 slings and love them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are such cool little spiders. Thanks, Ed!

[@conchitamay4859]

Thanks Tom I really neefrf this.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for watching, Conchita!

[@ethangarard4746]

I absolutely love Tom’s videos but I always think it’s funny how in the intro he says “enough of me talking let’s get into the video” and then he talks the whole video.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha. I always meant it to mean, "Enough of ME (as in on the screen) talking", but very good point. Time for something new... Thanks, Ethan!

[@judygwen3977]

@@TomsBigSpiders DONT CHANGE your format! Of course you keep talking while you're showing your display! It wouldn't be any good if you didn't explain as you're showing. I don't get what this guy was trying to say. If you didn't talk we'd only be looking at pictures.

[@judygwen3977]

Ethan Garard So after his intro, you expect he should just show pictures and not explain what's going on in the pictures? That would be boring and lacking information.

[@ethangarard4746]

Judy Gwen I was not criticizing as I said in my comment. I just think the wording of that sentence is humorous. I am an AVID watcher of Tom’s videos and he is actually a large part of why I joined the hobby. I could not even come close to the quality of information in these videos. As I said, the only thing I was pointing out was the wording of that sentence.

[@judygwen3977]

@@ethangarard4746 Thanks for explaining. I get it. I just find his videos so flawless that I thought any criticism would be out of line. I know what you're saying. I just hope it doesn't cause him to change his format.

[@PKekoa]

Great video as always, I wanted to ask if the care here would also be applicable to the Hapalopus vangoghi? I have one on order for next week and information on them specifically is limited. But I’ve based a lot of my care information on yours and others videos of this species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Congrats on getting one of those. Yes, I would keep it the same. :)

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

The interesting thing that I have found with this species is how long the males have lasted mature. Most of my dwarf males are gone within six months of maturing, but not this species. My male matured at 10 months and lasted another 13 months mature. Pretty surprising. Now I have a mature female and she is extremely fast and will bolt out of the enclosure if I didn't do my due diligence - despite having a very established, long term, home..

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Vanessa! It's funny that you bring this up, as the first mature male I had never ate again and was dead within two months. I got five more with the slings I kept, and one died within 4 months or so. Two of them were about four months mature when I sent them out to breed. The fourth lived about 10 months, and the fifth is still going. The first one I had was apparently an anomaly! I find it so interesting that a lot of folks report them bolting OUT of their enclosures. Mine were a total pain to feed when larger slings/juveniles because of that. I think that this is the only species I have that does this. As always, thanks for chiming in!

[@tarantulaark3182]

A beautiful species indeed! Love mine 🥰 Although mine has always been calm & sweet. Raised since it was the size of rice and almost 2” now. (Hope it’s not a male, been a year since I got it) It has kicked hairs at me once in the last rehouse but other then then, a perfect beginner Tarantula!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It's funny, as I know a couple folks who say that their are really sweet. Mine have always been a bit crazy...but in a good way. haha Thanks for chiming in! :)

[@derekfisher8571]

My first dwarf species was a k. brunnipes. But I need to get one of these!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I still have to get one of those, Derek! :)

[@nicoledonohoe2808]

This was fantastic like all your videos Tom I love when you do these because I don’t have one of these yet but I do want one so now I will know how to keep them please tell Billie hello and please keep you and your family safe thru this pandemic

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Nicole! Thank you so much! These are a lot of fun to do...they just take a very long time. And Billie says "Hi!" back! :) As always, thanks. I do hope you and yours are all safe as well.

[@nicoledonohoe2808]

Tom iam sure that are a lot to do you always take such pride in all that you share with us and teach us so many helpful tips I swear when I first got into this hobby with my 25 yr old son 3 yrs ago if it wasn’t for your videos and help I never would be were iam today !! And hey iam still learning I now have 55 I lost my Chilobrachys Vietnam blue MM that you helped me with and thank you. But added a Omothymus violaceopes 2 inch and you helped with that lol I just really want you to know iam so glad to have your channel to help us all !! Thanks again

[@alexuchimura198]

I got my first one from fearnot about a week ago. I have 5 T's total. 4 are all slings and one juvenile. My little pumpkin is so sweet just hides under its moss. Doesn't try to bolt just likes to watch me.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on yours, Alex! They are awesome little spiders. :)

[@numajoff]

Awesome Tom. Been offered a 2 inch female here in UK and Considering getting her. I have a medium exo terra Black breeding box which I think.she can go in from now for the rest of her life. I don't think she'll escape as the enclosure has the clear opening windows so fan drop.food in and refill water etc without taking the whole lid.off. much love from UK

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Joff! I would snatch her up! These are such cool spiders and quite unique looking as far as tarantulas go. I will always have one in my collection.

[@numajoff]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks Tom. She's coming on Monday the guy selling to me is giving me her enclosure with her so I don't have to disturb her.

[@MrTacitGrunt]

Hey Tom, could you do a video on tarantula terminology? I feel like people, myself including, may take for granted knowing definitions of what may seem common knowledge. I know you've explained some terms in videos I've seen but a single, consise, video would help a lot. Thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yes, I can! I actually have the notes for one done, and I did it as a podcast. I can definitely turn it into a video! :)

[@kuceracm]

Mine eats but is more shy about it. She likes to take her time and her privacy lol. And sometimes she does startle a bit when I open her lid but I've never had mine try to bolt out and escape or get defensive at all. She's actually my most chill T I have surprisingly....my A. chalcodes is a mad hair kicker and my Avic thinks she's a Poeci and will threat pose and slap her bark at you lol.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Cryssa Rose! It sounds like you have a little sweetheart there! All of your tarantulas sound a bit confused! hahaha Honestly, I know that A. chalcodes have a rep for being calm, but I talk to an awful lot of people who have crazy ones. My two were both high strung, too!

[@josephh957]

Man I've missed these videos. I did reply to your email too 😊 My B. Hamorii turned out to be a male 😑

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, it's been a little while. These just take a LONG time to put together! OH, I don't think that I saw it! Sorry!

[@albi769]

Great video as always Tom! I have a mature male pumpkin patch age 1 year 9 months (i had him since he was 2/3 months old) He hooked out at a year old and i have noticed that recently he has become larthargic, goes in and out of being dehydrated (even though he has water at all times) and eats only occasionally.. i know mature males dont last very long, but ive also read they can live 3-4 years.. hes not even two. Have you experienced this at all? Or anyone else experienced this? Would be good to underatand more as little is out there on mature males. So would also be educational for others too who keep this species. Appreciate any informations at all. Thanks! To add: I keep him on damp soil (about 3 inches deep) in a small exo terra critter keeper, he has a cork bark hide, a water dish, fake plants to web to, some sphagnum moss and he has a moist corner. He is around 3-3.5 inches long. Very leggy and small bodied. Up until recently (about 2 months) hes been thriving. He has never used his hide or webbed up his enclosure except for making a sperm web)

[@colinwinkelmann299]

I was working in my spider closet and found when I accidentally breathed on my Pumpkin patch's deli cup and she RAN over to the vent hole and kept trying to kill it. Tried it again and she ran over again to try to kill it. Any spider i've ever had runs or kicks hairs when accidentally blown on. But this little 1.5" sling is fiesty and wants to find and kill whatever is blowing into its enclosure!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha. Now there's that Hapalopus attitude! lol They are such spunky little spiders.

[@calmsouls4502]

"crush the head to prevent it from playing dead". Thats some Cold-blooded stuff lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha

[@jamesemery1]

I've had a male hook out last week and I don't have a mature female. As always top video and info.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! I have a mature male I'm trying to decide if I'm going to pair my big girl with all that's going down right now. :(

[@jamesemery1]

Pair them you might as well make lemonade!

[@pauls5745]

excellent feature as always! would you think about doing a underrated genus like Thrixopelma? couple near-forgotten sp. but very collectible and tho not often available, maybe a few breeders can change that with a feature that would put an interesting genus in their mind. I found a trio of pruriens slings (had to have 'em!) and thinking about a 5" F bcs I don't often see them, also I can't say I've come across T. cyaneolum since like ever haha.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Paul! And I could certainly do a feature on some Thrixopelma in the future. I agree that they don't get enough attention in the hobby!

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

I am old enough to be your mother, so tell Billie I think you look really cool. None of my high school or grade school teachers ever looked as good as you do. That sure is one pretty T. I am looking into a miniature T and one that does not kick hairs. What do you recommend?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Billie and I both love this. Thank you so much, Joyce! :) If you could find one, I would recommend Homoeomma chilensis. They are small, laid back, and adorable. Davus pentaloris is another possibility.

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

@@TomsBigSpiders So I walk into a pet store and stammer "I want a homo chili enisis. Whoops. I end up on the street with a sign round my neck saying BIGOT. LOL

[@gator5566]

2nd comment lol great video Tom I watch as soon as I get the notification keep up the great work and wash your hands all 8 of them rotflmfa... sorry I've been in the house for 5 or 6 days now 🤪

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you so much! And my hands are dry and chapped from washing them. haha. Yeah, it's only been a week, and we're all going crazy. lol

[@marleahcabano5423]

Hello! I will try and keep this short. I inherited one these back in Dec from a close friend who passed away. When I got her she lived on bark with just a log. She now has a great enclosure with soil. She webbed a small area and has been in there since late Dec. She molted a month and half ago, but stays locked up in her web cave. Have you had any do this? Her butt looks fine, just wish I could see her more. I've just been making sure she has water and leave her be, but if you have any advice, I'm all ears.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Marleah. First off, my sincere condolences. That's terrible. :( Is her caver completely webbed up? Does she have any openings? If not, she may not be ready to eat yet. Mine spent a month or so in her den after her last molt (she's a big old girl). She might still be hardening up.

[@marleahcabano5423]

@@TomsBigSpiders hey Tom! I'm sorry for the delay. I always forget to check my inbox. Thank you, and yes, she has one opening. She finally ate last week. I held a cricket near the opening and she came right up and ate it. I still don't see her out of that area that's webbed up. She looks fine from what I can see. Still not as much of a display T as I had hoped.

[@dynexell]

Thank you for your video..i got my p.patch 3 weeks ago..mine is very skittish and tend to bolt around the enclosure..they are certainly fast to me as most of my Ts are from Bracyphelma n Gramastola species…but they are beautiful

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome; and congrats on picking one up! Yeah, these guys are a speed upgrade from Brachys and Grammys! :)

[@dynexell]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks!!! mine is a male which i think recently mature as i can see its pedipalp..but he not eating much. from the day i got him he only ate 3 times which each meal only a cricket..

[@tinabbaker37]

I have one that is reaching 2 inches and 2 more that look like ants but I love them so much

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Tina! They do start off so tiny! :)

[@dankauffman8568]

Good morning Tom . My attitude is much like yours was . I think I'll pass on the dwarf species for now . Very good video though .

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yup, that was me for quite a while, Dan. I honestly didn't get them. :) Thanks!

[@Briandotmiller]

Hi tome me again with another question! I just got off a 3week Grand Canyon raft trip and it seems the world fell apart while I was gone! I had a friend watch my h pulchripes (Sanchez) while I was gone. I literally just came out of the best quarantine ever and would like to disinfect the outside of the enclosure before bringing it back to my house. She lives very close so I transport spider in enclosure. Any ideas on disinfecting an enclosure without disturbing or harming the spider or would you just remove the spider entirely wipe down the outside and then reintroduce the spider?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Welcome back to this crazy world. ;) If you're going to disinfect the enclosure, I would take the spider out, do what you need to do, and wash it VERY well with water before putting the spider back in. I hope that helps!

[@SergeiMosin]

I'm always nervous with keeping dwarf slings because they're just so small it can be hard to work with them. Right now I have a tiny little Uruguayan Copper that's burrowed to the absolute bottom of the dram vial, and refuses to even consider the worm segments I've put in there. It's the only species I've had trouble getting to eat and that has me avoiding dwarf slings that aren't at least half to 3/4 of an inch

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I hear you, Sergei! The tiny ones still freak me out because they seem so fragile and are so hard to see. It's also difficult to see if they ate. I totally get that.

[@jessicaskreaturehouse5959]

Could you do a video on tarantula body language and the difference between defensive posture and aggression l?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

HI, Jessica! Great idea! I'll try to get some footage of the different postures. Thank you! : )

[@EllinaWaldman]

Hey Tom, what do you think about a 1/4” sling in a 2 oz deli cup? It is how mine came to me but the enclosure seems huge for such a small (2nd instar) sling. Should I move it into a dram size enclosure or will it grow so fast that it doesn’t make sense? Seems to forage feed fine, started webbing a tiny bit on the edge but no burrowing so I’m concerned it’s insecure. What do you think?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Elina! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnzUpHlmfN-Hd5Y Yes, I raised many of the slings I produced in the two oz deli cups. I found it easier to keep an eye on the sling. Just be careful that it doesn't dry out. That said, if i't settled in and is eating, you may want to leave it where you have it.

[@EllinaWaldman]

Tom Moran thanks, as always!

[@caitlinflohr6416]

Hello Tom, I'm looking to get into "the hobby" and have been watching your videos for a few months. I'd like to start with a tarantula and a jumping spider. Do you know of any "reputable" stores/sources I could look into to purchase spiders?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Caitlin! That's awesome! Some places I would recommend are Fear Not Tarantulas, Pinchers and Pokies, and Swift's Inverts. All three have excellent reputations. It may be difficult to track down jumping spiders, though. They don't seem to be offered all that much. Good luck!

[@victorg7036]

I actually love dwarf tarantulas. I had a small variant of this species. Unfortunately for me it molted out to a male in less than a year. I was going to pick up a couple of these at the next expo, but that ones been rightfully canceled due to what's currently going in the world.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Victor! I'm a huge fan myself now! It's just a shame that I overlooked them for so long. Out of the 11 I've raised 7 were males. :(

[@mrstcj6069]

I raise silkworms regularly for my reptiles but also feed all of my dwarfs some slighty squished i1 hatchling silks 😩🤢 the spiders love them. Silkworms grow slow in temps under 75.. I feed all of my animals appropriate sizes pretty often to offer constant hydration and especially right after a molt (2 weeks) for the super low fang break risk.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'll have to give silkworms a try. Thanks !

[@mrstcj6069]

I should have said zero fang breakage risk. Several typos too... how embarrassing, you being a teacher and all 🙈 I'll blame the dogs and kids this time lol

[@majiknine]

I'm eager to get my first T, and I heavily considered getting this species. But people on forums really complain about how often they try to escape and that they are not on display often. I was prepared to deal with a fast and skittish breed, but not one that tried to escape ALL the time, especially if it isn't on display enough. I keep wondering if those people just had bad husbandry because the people who are happy with them sound like the complete opposite experience. I'm sad tho. I wanted a semi-arboreal or arboreal species really bad. I'm now considering the Mexican flame knee, Chaco golden knee, and Brazilian black instead.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They CAN be little escape artists when they are younger, and some adults WILL web up heavily and hide in their webs. If you want something more calm and visible, the other three that you mentioned would work just fine.

[@majiknine]

@Tom Moran I still wanna get one someday. But after I have more experience for sure. I'm getting the grammastola pulchripes and pulchra, and instead of the brachypelma auratum, I'm going For a Caribena versicolor. I just couldn't say no to the beautiful colors and the faster growth rate! I know these can be skittish and fast still, and they can also jump, but I've heard less horror stories about these. Also, they'll be a bit bigger so I'm hoping easier to catch.

[@JunFeril]

Made me think about getting these or G . pulchripes.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, that's a difficult choice, Ike! Both are awesome! :)

[@miguelschmidt7928]

Show de bola !

[@gator5566]

English dude lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! haha

[@SuperLoops]

I love my P. patch such a pretty little spood I think Ive over fed her tho and she is fat lol i love the gold metallic heart and how she goes from orange to pink depending on the angle you look

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Super Loops! They are such awesome little spiders. Yeah, my big girl was HUGE before her last molt. haha Thank you!

[@tyron-thevictim-woodley698]

Is that really you in that picture lol? 😂

[@sniffanyB]

What are your thoughts on the C. Elegans? Do you have any videos on them? I've looked but want site if I offer looked it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Unfortunately, I haven't kept that species yet. Sorry!

[@sniffanyB]

Tom Moran OK thanks. I love your videos. They are great!!

[@AS-ph1zi]

Sir how to determine, wether my Ppatch sling is a large or small. Thanks.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! What was it sold to you as? The large are the most common. If you don't know, you'll have to wait until it grows up.

[@AS-ph1zi]

@@TomsBigSpiders thank you so much sir. I ask the seller and he told me that it is large, but you know, i dont trust that much. Hope you understand. Hahaha

[@jamesemery1]

Hi Tom I've had a male mature recently and today I found my female with a phantom sac. Any tips on breeding? Thanks in advance. Emery.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! I let the male approach the female. Mine have all engaged in a bit of a ritual where the male engages the female, then backs off and leads her around the enclosures for a while before going in for insertion. Be standing by, as both of my females tried to eat the males. One literally bent him backwards at the moment of insertion and chomped down. Set a little time aside, as they can take a while.

[@jamesemery1]

@@TomsBigSpiders cheers Tom, same as any pairing then LOL, fingers crossed. Did you end up pairing your pumpkins?

[@henricocronje2821]

How do you get rid of grain mites thats on a sling?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Henrico! What type of sling is it and what size? One way is to use a cotton swab with petroleum jelly on it to pick them off. You can also try drying out the enclosure a bit.

[@henricocronje2821]

@@TomsBigSpiders hello,all my slings are infected and some small juveniles( 5 4cm curly hairs,p.metallica 3cm,1cm Togo starburst baboon and 6cm Thailand black) I'll try some of your methods.

[@thedarkabyss100]

Is H. "Columbia Gross" the same as Columbia Large?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Yes, I believe that's the other name for the larges. Gross is German for large. :)

[@monsas999]

Honor

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you.

[@beams098]

hey dark dens t like this one died

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh no! Was it old? That's too bad. :(

[@beams098]

@@TomsBigSpiders no, he thinks the t had a blockage in his anus and couldn't use the bathroom so it died

[@phantmv7487]

Nice Video Is Ya boi eli

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Eli! How's it going, bud? You keeping busy?

[@mully107]

Hey Tom. How can you tell when your spider (specifically the pumpkin patches) has reached sexual maturity?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nicholas! I bred mine when she was about 3" or so.

[@witcher1973]

For some reason i skip these each time, not sure why... maybe due to them looking more like true spiders to me than the hairy ones im used to. But that's just me.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Shawn! That's pretty much why I skipped them for a while! haha I WILL say that they are quite cool in person. My big female is quite large now.

[@BriDia3]

My sling lost a pedipalp and 2 legs, presumably in its last molt (first - with me) 😭

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Sabrina. I hope that she's doing okay.

[@BriDia3]

@Tom Moran thank you. She seems ok. We'll see after the next molt I guess

[@culturalwheat6682]

Is the hapolopus triseriatus care similar?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Yes, they are. Here's a video that I did on the H. triseriatus. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bCqHWrpL-sibc

[@culturalwheat6682]

Tom Moran thanks Tom! I really hope your channel blows up because your so knowledgeable and compared to other t KZbinre like exotics lairs, you deserve it!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@culturalwheat6682 Thank you so much! I honestly don't think that it will ever blow up, because I can be a bit dry for anyone who doesn't already have an interest in them. And that's okay, because I like to be able to keep up with comments! haha Thanks again!

[@Red13Nanaki]

I love these guys, but I've had very bad luck with them. All three that I've had ended up being males.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ugh. Sorry to hear that! I've had 4 females to 7 males.

[@lucnadeau2821]

They are an attractive species, but their minuscule size as slings is something I wouldn't feel comfortable with. Anything under 1" makes me a bit nervous, so imagine a 1/8" sling. I'll kindly pass on these. Thanks for sharing :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Luc! I had 350+ of these guys as slings. Talk about panic time. hahaha They good news is, they are VERY hardy and they grow quickly. Still, I TOTALLY get it. The little ones still freak me out. haha

[@CD480]

Think a full grown "large" female could take on adult male dubia roaches?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Maybe. They are fairly good sized when adults.

[@tedmyers8005]

Great vid Tom (per usual)! I sent you a pm on IG, mind checking it for me?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Ted! I think that I answered this, right? :)

[@oldmiras]

Hi Tom, can you speak a little bit slower? :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Miroslaw! Ummmm...I was actually trying to speak more slowly on this one. lol If it's too fast, you can slow the speed down on the options wheel in the lower right corner of the video. You can change it to .75, .5, or .25. That should help! Thanks! I'll try to slow it down more in the future.

[@jimmysheppard2853]

Listen faster lolol jk