Hapalopus planetearth (Ecuadorian Crowned Tarantula)

Hapalopus planetearth, formerly known in the hobby as Theraphosinae sp. "Yasuni," is a newly described dwarf species out of Ecuador's Yasuni National Park. Adults of this species feature an iconic reflective golden crown on the carapace (head) with a matte black coloration that makes the color pop. The abdomen is a bright yellow orange with unique black margins and grey legs, making this species really stand out among anything else in the hobby, and we can personally attest that photos do not do these justice, our adults are simply stunning and are super fun to watch grow. The babies of this species are just as striking, showing a smaller version of the adult look with pink legs, a golden reflective carapace, and the same pattern as the adults, which is cute to see even at this early stage. With each molt these change slightly, eventually gaining their full adult colors later in life. As one of the first groups of this species to reach the US, this is a rare opportunity to add a genuinely new world tarantula for sale to your collection before it becomes widely established in the hobby.

Why do hobbyists keep Hapalopus planetearth?

Stunning Coloration: The yellow-orange, black, and gold crowned design stands out immediately, making this one of the most unique and stunning tarantulas in the world.
Colorful Spiderlings: Even spiderlings pack a punch of color with stunning orange, pink, and black coloration that is like a miniature version of the adults, gradually changing as they grow.
Great Display Species: The added climbing activity keeps this dwarf more visible than many ground dwelling species its size.
Heavy Webber: Builds noticeably dense webbing and makes frequent use of climbing space in the enclosure.
Great Feeding Response: This species loves to eat, just like many other tropical species in the hobby.
Rare in the Hobby: Among the first specimens of this newly described species to arrive in the US, a true find for collectors who like being early.

How should Hapalopus planetearth be kept?

Adult Size: Reaches around 4 inches at full leg span. A true dwarf that still brings plenty of presence to a small setup.
Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial setup roughly 3 times the leg span in width and depth, and 2 times the leg span in height, with substrate at least equal to the leg span in depth. Add cork bark or branches as anchor points to support this species' climbing and webbing habits. For a half inch sling, start small, around 2 by 2 by 2 inches, and size up as it grows.
Temperature: This species prefers warmer temperatures from 80 to 90°F, but will be fine at 65 to 75°F. We recommend keeping them warmer if you can provide it through ambient heating, not a heat source like a heat lamp or heating pad since these dehydrate invertebrates quickly.
Humidity: Keep the substrate from drying out, this species does best with a bit more moisture on hand given its origins in one of the wettest regions of Ecuador. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over misted.
Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
Diet: Crickets, roaches, and similar feeders sized to the carapace (head). Feeds aggressively and grows quickly with regular feeding.
Temperament: Fast and alert, quick to explore rather than stay tucked away. Can be skittish but more docile overall. Not an aggressive or defensive species, though it can startle easily.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

Climbing Behavior: Keepers have noticed this species climbing more and webbing more heavily than is typical for the genus, likely tied to the high humidity of its Yasuni National Park origins. Anchor points like cork bark help this natural behavior shine.
Newly Described: This species was only recently described and is still building its footing in the hobby, making early keepers part of establishing its care standards.
Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

This listing includes multiple size options. Animals are unsexed, there is approximately a 50/50 chance of male or female on most species.

Available Wholesale Invertebrates