Anthia sexguttata

Anthia sexguttata, referred to commonly as the six-spot ground beetle, is a beetle of the family Carabidae.

Appearance

Adults measure approximately 4 cm, are black with six relatively large, white, dorsal spots. Other patterns are possible although the pattern is always symmetrical.
The larva has a flattened form, a large head capsule, and prominent mandibles.

Distribution

The species occurs in the drier parts of South Asia. It is found in a variety of habitats including natural forests and dry scrubland. The species was found in a variety of human-modified habitats including agriculture fields and urban parks.

Diet

Adult A. sexguttata feed on other insects and snails. They are also predators on defoliating pests of Tectona grandis, such as Pyrausta machaeralis and Hyblaea puera. It is also an important predator on beetle pests of sugarcane crops.

Ecology

A. sexguttata are well known predators of a number of pests of commercially important trees including Tectona grandis.
The compound eyes of A. sexguttata exhibit sensitivity changes in a clear circadian rhythm, with both eyes being coupled when in total darkness.
The mite Regenpolipus madrasensis is described from A. sexguttata.