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

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.