The Sicariidae comprise a family of six-eyed spiders represented in two genera (Sicarius and Loxosceles) and 122 species. The genus Sicarius (six-eyed desert sand spiders, resembling crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, that are known for their self-burying behavior) is restricted to portions of South America and Africa, and Galapagos. The genus Loxosceles (six-eyed recluse or violin spiders) is distributed worldwide.

Both genera are capable of biting humans; their venom is generally capable of producing necrotic lesions and, more rarely, serious systemic pathological conditions. The venom contains a specific dermonecrotic agent, sphingomyelinase D, that is only found elsewhere in certain pathogenic bacteria. It is related, chemically, to naturally occurring forms of sphingomyelinase found in the healthy tissues of animals and which perform important natural functions important to the health of the organism. In the venom of these spiders, however, the function is primarily destructive to the organism affected, resulting in the breakdown of sphingomyelinase, reducing it to a liquid or semi-liquid form, so that it can be ingested by the spider.

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