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Observation on the six-eyed sand spider Hexophthalma spatulatus (Pocock, 1900) from South Africa (Araneae: Sicariidae)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The six-eyed sand spider Hexophthalma spatulatus (Pocock, 1900) is a South African endemic that was described in 1900 as Sicarius spatulatus from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. They are free-living ground dwellers and one of the most distinctive features is their ability to blend into their sandy environment. The tufts of sickle-shaped setae on their abdomen and legs help in holding the sand covering in place. Based on photographs of live specimens, the general morphology of the species are discussed with notes on their behaviour, distribution in South Africa, and conservation status.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14986140

Authors: Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S., Paton, J., Wiese, L.

Institutions: University of Venda, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Language: English

Topic: Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W6893196669

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