Get up close to a Pumpkin Patch Tarantula this Halloween!

The Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is welcoming a new resident in time for the October half term from 27 October - 4 November which also coincides with Halloween. Aptly named The Pumpkin Patch, this stunning, beautifully coloured Spider is new to the Butterfly farm and will be on display in Minibeast Metropolis. Originating from Colombia, the Spider's name is derived from its distinctive, brightly coloured orange and yellow abdomen markings. Although fairly small in size, this Spider has plenty of attitude!

The Butterfly Farm will also be holding their popular 'Meet the Mini-Beast' handling sessions during half term in the Discovery Zone. Twice a day, children and adults can take part in spooky handling sessions with the Education Team and hold creatures such as a giant African Millipede, African land snail, Madagascan Hissing Cockroach and a variety of Stick Insects! There will also be Beetle demonstrations in the Discovery Zone which will explain every stage of the Beetle's lifecycle. Over in Minibeast Metropolis is a display of Beetles including a Radiant Sun Beetle - a type of Scarab from the Middle East, Dung Beetles from Africa, a Giant Atlas Beetle and colourful Jewel Beetles from Asia.

Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said "The Pumpkin Patch is one of the most colourful spiders we have on display. If you want to be scared this Halloween then come and discover an assortment of spooky Spiders including the Chilean Rose, Mexican Fire Red, Goliath Bird Eating and the Brazilian Fire Red. All our spiders are installed in alarmed tanks and therefore completely safe to view".

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 5.30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at http://www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.

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