Six-eyed Sand Spider, Bushman Spider
Sicarius hahni
Sicariidae, Order Araneae. Notable for having only six eyes arranged in three dyads.
Physical Description
A flattened, crab-like body covered in specialized hairs called setae that trap sand for camouflage. It has a broad cephalothorax and a larger, somewhat heart-shaped abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length 8-15mm; leg span up to 50mm (approx. 2 inches). The specimen in the image appears to be an immature or small adult.
Coloration & Markings
Typically reddish-brown to straw-colored, but usually obscured by a coating of sand. Without sand, they may show subtle darker markings on the cephalothorax.
Web Type
Does not build a web. It is an ambush hunter that buries itself in fine sand to wait for prey.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads): one median pair and two lateral pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Longe, robust legs positioned laterally (sideways) like a crab, which facilitates rapid burying and scurrying.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Potently cytotoxic. The venom contains sphingomyelinase D, similar to the Recluse spiders, but believed to be significantly more toxic.
Medical Significance
Medically dangerous. Bites can cause severe tissue necrosis and systemic effects like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). No antivenom exists.
Safety Recommendations
Never handle with bare hands. If found in a home or enclosure, use a long-handled tool or container for relocation. Seek immediate medical help if a bite is suspected.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found in the deserts of Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa). Prefers fine, dry sand in arid regions.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely shy and reclusive. When threatened, its primary defense is to bury itself deeper or remain motionless. It is not aggressive but will bite if pressed against skin.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on insects and small scorpions. It lunges from beneath the sand when it detects vibrations of passing prey.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in stable desert climates, though hunting activity may increase during warmer months or after rare rain events.
Description
Sicarius hahni is a master of disguise, vanishing into the desert floor. Its flattened body and specialized hairs allow it to wear a suit of sand, making it nearly invisible to both prey and predators.
Key Features
Crab-like stance, flattened body, six eyes in three pairs, and the distinctive behavior of burying itself in sand.
Similar Species
Loxosceles (Recluse spiders) share the same venom type but have a different body shape and do not bury themselves in sand.
Life Cycle
Females produce sand-covered egg sacs. They are long-lived for spiders, with some species in this genus reaching over 10-15 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a key apex invertebrate predator in sensitive desert ecosystems, controlling populations of other arthropods.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but potentially threatened by habitat destruction or the exotic pet trade.
Interesting Facts
This spider can survive for up to a year without food or water, an essential adaptation for life in localized desert environments.
Photography Tips
As they are masters of camouflage, use side-lighting to reveal the texture of the sand-covered body against the background.
User Notes
Sand
Identified: 2026-07-20T16:47:51.498202