Hexophthalma

Hexophthalma, a genus belonging to the Sicariidae family comprises of about eight species. According to the reports obtained until July 2018, it is one among the three genera belonging to the Sicariidae family. One of the famed spiders of this genus is the six-eyed sand spider or Hexophthalma hahni.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Sicariidae
• Genus: Hexophthalma

List of Species Belonging To This Genus

Physical Description & Identification

Adults

Size: They are mostly small in size, with the length being about 0.6 inches (15 mm) on an average.

Color:  The spiders of thegenus like the six eye sand spider are mostly reddish-brown or yellow.

Eggs

The eggs are small-sized laid in bundles or sacs.

Spiderlings

There are insufficient details about the identification patterns and behavior of the spiderlings.

The Web

The spiders of this genus hunt their prey, and not much information about building their web is available.

Are The Spiders of the Hexophthalma Genus Venomous and Do They Bite

Species of this genus have venom which may have necrotic effects, causing grave or life-threatening wounds on humans mainly if the infection spreads.

Quick Facts

Lifespan	A long lifespan, with individuals of the family this genus belongs to is known to live for 15 years
Distribution	Different parts of South Africa
Habitat	Mostly desert areas
Diet	Scorpion and several desert insects

Did You Know

• Friedrich Karsch created this genus in 1878, naming it as Hexomma initially with Hexomma hahni being the sole species. However, the name was changed to Hexophthalma in 1879 since the previous name was used for harvestman species.

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