Home / Sicariidae Spiders / Six-eyed Sand (Hexophthalma hahni)

Six-eyed Sand (Hexophthalma hahni)

The six-eyed sand spider is an interesting creature! Even though it’s a bit shy, it has one of the most powerful bites among spiders. With its special look, it blends right into desert sands. Some even call it the six-eyed crab spider because of its unique shape. Ready to explore cool facts about them?

Scientific Classification

Six Eyed Sand Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are 0.31- 0.59 inches (0.8 – 1.5 cm) in length, with a leg span of about 2 inches (5.08 cm).
  • Color: They have a reddish-brown or yellowish body, but often appear brown when hidden in the sand.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have a flattened body, while their legs are arranged sideways. Their hairy body, helps them hold the sand well, making the camouflaging technique a lot easier.
Six Eyed Sand Spider Size

Eggs

Like other spider species, these six-eyed spiders lay eggs in their sacs.

Spiderlings

Nothing is known so far about juvenile six-eyed spiderlings.

The Web

They do not spin webs but hunt to capture their prey.

Are Six-eyed Sand Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Six-eyed Sand spiders are venomous. Their bite is known to be really strong, making them one of the most powerful spiders out there.

Can Six-eyed Sand Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite. Even though they’re shy, if they feel trapped or scared, they might give a bite. Their bite might include hemolytic and necrotic effects. Both of these can cause leakage of red blood cells, blood thinning, and destruction of tissues. But all these are in vitro studies, and real-life examples of encountering this spider are not known so far. 

Six Eye Sand Spider

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Six-eyed Sand Spider 

The six-eyed sand spider plays a vital role in desert ecosystems, aiding in the control of scorpion and insect populations. Its nocturnal hunting behavior and exceptional camouflage abilities allow it to thrive in its sandy habitat.

Natural Predators: While specific natural predators of the six-eyed sand spider are not well-documented, it is plausible to assume that they may fall prey to larger arachnids, birds, and desert-dwelling mammals.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: As a predator, the six-eyed sand spider contributes to maintaining the ecological balance within its habitat, controlling the populations of its prey, which includes scorpions and various desert insects.

Relationship with Humans: The six-eyed sand spider’s elusive nature and preference for remote desert regions result in limited interactions with humans. However, understanding and respecting this spider’s behavior and habitat are crucial to avoid potential bites, even though documented cases are scarce. Their presence in desert ecosystems underscores their importance in biodiversity and the natural balance of these arid regions.

Quick Facts

Other Names Six-eyed crab spiders
DistributionSouthern Africa
HabitatDesserts
DietScorpions or dessert insects
LifespanEstimated to have a long lifespan
IUCN ConservationNot listed

Did You Know

  • The six-eyed spider can survive a whole year without a meal or water.
  • Its scientific name honors the German zoologist and the first writer of the spider monograph, Mr. Carl Wilhelm Hahn.

Six-Eyed Sand Image

In conclusion, the six-eyed sand spider stands out as an intriguing and vital component of desert ecosystems, showcasing remarkable survival skills and unique characteristics.

The six-eyed sand spider is an interesting creature! Even though it’s a bit shy, it has one of the most powerful bites among spiders. With its special look, it blends right into desert sands. Some even call it the six-eyed crab spider because of its unique shape. Ready to explore cool facts about them?

Six Eyed Sand Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are 0.31- 0.59 inches (0.8 – 1.5 cm) in length, with a leg span of about 2 inches (5.08 cm).
  • Color: They have a reddish-brown or yellowish body, but often appear brown when hidden in the sand.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have a flattened body, while their legs are arranged sideways. Their hairy body, helps them hold the sand well, making the camouflaging technique a lot easier.
Six Eyed Sand Spider Size

Eggs

Like other spider species, these six-eyed spiders lay eggs in their sacs.

Spiderlings

Nothing is known so far about juvenile six-eyed spiderlings.

The Web

They do not spin webs but hunt to capture their prey.

Are Six-eyed Sand Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Six-eyed Sand spiders are venomous. Their bite is known to be really strong, making them one of the most powerful spiders out there.

Can Six-eyed Sand Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite. Even though they’re shy, if they feel trapped or scared, they might give a bite. Their bite might include hemolytic and necrotic effects. Both of these can cause leakage of red blood cells, blood thinning, and destruction of tissues. But all these are in vitro studies, and real-life examples of encountering this spider are not known so far. 

Six Eye Sand Spider

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Six-eyed Sand Spider 

The six-eyed sand spider plays a vital role in desert ecosystems, aiding in the control of scorpion and insect populations. Its nocturnal hunting behavior and exceptional camouflage abilities allow it to thrive in its sandy habitat.

Natural Predators: While specific natural predators of the six-eyed sand spider are not well-documented, it is plausible to assume that they may fall prey to larger arachnids, birds, and desert-dwelling mammals.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: As a predator, the six-eyed sand spider contributes to maintaining the ecological balance within its habitat, controlling the populations of its prey, which includes scorpions and various desert insects.

Relationship with Humans: The six-eyed sand spider’s elusive nature and preference for remote desert regions result in limited interactions with humans. However, understanding and respecting this spider’s behavior and habitat are crucial to avoid potential bites, even though documented cases are scarce. Their presence in desert ecosystems underscores their importance in biodiversity and the natural balance of these arid regions.

Quick Facts

Other Names Six-eyed crab spiders
DistributionSouthern Africa
HabitatDesserts
DietScorpions or dessert insects
LifespanEstimated to have a long lifespan
IUCN ConservationNot listed

Did You Know

  • The six-eyed spider can survive a whole year without a meal or water.
  • Its scientific name honors the German zoologist and the first writer of the spider monograph, Mr. Carl Wilhelm Hahn.

Six-Eyed Sand Image

In conclusion, the six-eyed sand spider stands out as an intriguing and vital component of desert ecosystems, showcasing remarkable survival skills and unique characteristics.