The English name six-eyed sand spiders is used for members of the genus,[2] particularly Hexophthalma hahni.

[2] As of July 2018[update], the World Spider Catalog accepted these extant species:[1] Species of Hexophthalma produce venom that can have necrotic (dermonecrotic) effects, capable of causing serious or even life-threatening wounds, particularly if the wound becomes infected or the venom spreads in the body.

The necrotic effects are caused by a family of proteins related to sphingomyelinase D, present in the venom of all sicariid spiders.

[3][5] However, most Hexophthalama species have only been studied in vitro, and the detailed effects of their venom in humans and other vertebrates are unknown.

[6] There are two suspected cases in Africa, for which the spider has not been identified; however, according to the victim's description, the culprit could be Hexophthalma spatulata.