# Six-eyed sand spider (Hexophthalma hahni) > A reclusive, flattened desert spider from southern Africa with six eyes and potent necrotic venom, rarely encountered by people. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/six-eyed-sand-spider/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Necrotic venom.** Hexophthalma hahni carries venom that contains sphingomyelinase D, an enzyme associated with tissue-damaging (necrotic) effects in mammals. Documented bites to humans are very rare because the spider is reclusive. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention; first aid includes cleaning the wound with soap and water, immobilising and elevating the limb, and getting to emergency care—do not attempt tight tourniquets. Medical staff may monitor for local tissue damage, infection and systemic effects and provide wound care and supportive treatment. Avoid cutting into or attempting to suck out venom. **Pets:** Potentially harmful to small pets if a substantial envenomation occurs. Because bites are rare and the spider is secretive, pet encounters are unlikely; seek veterinary care if a bite is suspected. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Hexophthalma hahni - Also called: Sicarius hahni, desert sand spider - Order: Araneae (Spiders) - Family: Sicariidae (Sand recluse and six-eyed spiders) - Size: Body length roughly 8-15 mm; leg span up to about 50 mm - Colours: Sandy brown, Pale ochre, Light tan - Habitat: Arid and semi-arid sandy habitats, dunes, dry riverbeds and loose sandy soil in southern Africa; shelters under debris or partly buried in sand. - Range: Southern Africa, especially Namibia, South Africa and adjacent regions (including the Namib and Kalahari deserts). - Active: Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular; activity peaks in warmer months but varies with local climate. - Lifespan: Not well documented; many ground-dwelling spiders live 1-4 years depending on sex and conditions. - Effect on plants: Harmless - Pest: no ## Overview Hexophthalma hahni (formerly Sicarius hahni) is a ground-dwelling spider of the family Sicariidae found in arid sandy habitats of southern Africa. It is an ambush predator that buries itself or hides in sand and leaf litter, waiting for small arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates. It is extremely secretive and avoids human contact, so bites are rare. The species produces venom containing sphingomyelinase D, an enzyme that can cause local tissue damage in mammals and, in laboratory settings, has caused serious necrotic lesions. ## How to identify it Adults are low, flattened spiders with a compact body adapted for life on sand. Body length is about 8-15 mm, with a leg span of up to about 50 mm; legs are relatively stout and spiny. Colouration is a sandy to ochre-brown that provides excellent camouflage on dunes and loose soil. The six eyes are arranged in three pairs (dyads) rather than the usual eight-eye pattern seen in many spiders. Their carapace and abdomen are usually plain or finely mottled, without bright markings. - Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) instead of the usual eight eyes. - Low, flattened body and sandy, cryptic colour that blends with dunes and loose soil. - Habitat: typically found partially buried or concealed in sand and dry leaf litter in arid regions. - Lacks obvious bright markings; overall stocky, spiny legs and robust build compared with many web-building spiders. ## Lookalikes - **Loxosceles recluse spiders** (Loxosceles spp.): Both have six eyes, but Loxosceles are generally smaller, less flattened and have different eye arrangement spacing and body proportions; geographic ranges differ (Loxosceles are widespread globally). Venom composition is related but species differ in clinical outcomes. - **Other sand-dwelling Sicariidae** (Sicarius spp. and related): Closely related species differ in subtle morphological characters used by specialists (genitalia, setae patterns) and precise range; identification to species often requires expert examination. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Females lay egg sacs and guard or hide them; eggs hatch into spiderlings after a period depending on temperature and conditions. - **Spiderling (juvenile):** Young spiders resemble miniature adults and undergo several molts as they grow; juveniles are ground-dwelling and cryptic. - **Adult spider:** Adults are solitary, ground-dwelling ambush predators; mating involves brief contact with a male approaching a female and then dispersal. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Small arthropods such as ants, beetles and other insects encountered on the sand surface. - Adults eat: Ground-dwelling arthropods and sometimes small vertebrates that come within reach while the spider ambushes from the substrate. - Predators of the young: Birds, small lizards, larger predatory arthropods and scorpions. - Predators of adults: Ground-foraging birds, larger lizards and mammalian insectivores that search sandy habitats. ## Effect on plants and gardens Does not feed on plants; feeds on small arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates, so it does not damage crops or gardens. ## Where and when to find it Look on or under loose sand, dune margins, dry riverbeds, and under stones or debris in arid regions. Adults and juveniles are ground-dwelling and may be partially buried. - Best time: Warmer months and at night or twilight when they are most active; however they are cryptic and hard to spot. - Tips: Use low-angle light or a flashlight at night to reveal shapes on the sand surface; avoid touching and keep a safe distance. Photograph from above rather than attempting to handle. ## Fun facts - Despite a reputation for extreme danger, six-eyed sand spiders are very shy and rarely bite people because they avoid contact. - Their sandy colour and flattened shape let them bury themselves almost completely in loose sand and ambush prey. - The enzyme in their venom, sphingomyelinase D, is the same family of toxins found in recluse spider venoms and can cause significant local tissue damage in laboratory tests. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are six-eyed sand spiders dangerous? They have venom that can cause severe local tissue damage, so they are potentially dangerous, but bites to humans are rare because the spiders are reclusive. ### Do six-eyed sand spiders bite people? Bites are uncommon. The spider avoids humans and typically only bites if handled, trapped against skin, or accidentally pressed against a limb. ### Why is a six-eyed sand spider in my house? They prefer sandy, outdoor habitats. If one is found indoors it probably wandered in accidentally, often seeking shelter or prey; this is uncommon. ### How do I get rid of a six-eyed sand spider? Avoid handling. Safely capture using a jar and stiff card and release outside away from the house, or contact local pest control if you are unsure. Reduce clutter and seal cracks to lower chances of accidental indoor entry. ### Where do six-eyed sand spiders live? They live in arid, sandy habitats of southern Africa (including the Namib and Kalahari regions), hiding in loose sand, leaf litter and under debris. ### What should I do if I am bitten? Clean the wound with soap and water, immobilise and elevate the limb, and seek immediate medical attention. Do not apply tight tourniquets or try to cut or suck out venom; medical professionals will manage wound care and monitor for necrosis or systemic effects. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/715311), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-eyed_sand_spider). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.