First record of six-spotted ground beetle, Anthia (Anthia) sexguttata sexguttata from Parbhani, Maharashtra (India), with its systematic account, distribution and predatory role

AbstractAnthia sexguttata sexguttata (Febricius 1775) commonly known as tiger beetle or ground beetle, belong to family Carabidea. During the present study. Single pair was reported from Parbhani .The present communication deals with the new record of Anthia (Anthia) sexguttata sexguttata, the Six-spotted Ground Beetle, belonging to the family Carabidae under the order Coleoptera, from Parbhani, Maharashtra (India). Its adults and larvae feed on agricultural pests, primarily in the soil, but they also sometimes ascend to vegetation in search of their preferred food. Hence, it is considered a beneficial predator, playing a major role in the biological control of insect pests. In view of this, a detailed account is provided, including systematic classification, altitudinal range, distribution, habitat, food and feeding habits, life cycle, beneficial role, and self-defense mechanisms.