[1][2] Lobivia arachnacantha typically grows in clusters with flattened to spherical stems that are dark green and feature around 14 weakly notched ribs.

The areoles on these stems bear 9-15 radial spines measuring 5 mm in length, which can range from pale to dark brown or yellowish-brown, sometimes accompanied by a 1.5 mm long black spine.

[3] The following varieties are accepted:[1] Plants are found in Bolivia, in the departments of Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca, and Cochabamba, as well as in Salta, Argentina.

This species grows on stony hills in places with reliable summer rainfall.

[3] As its synonym Echinopsis arachnacantha it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.