Anthia sexmaculata is a classic predator of the Sahara fringe, North African deserts, and arid Middle Eastern plains, where it roams open ground at dusk and during the cooler parts of the night. These beetles are built for exposed, hostile landscapes: long legs for speed, a tough exoskeleton to resist heat and abrasion, and a bold defensive chemistry that deters would‑be predators. In their natural range they patrol sandy flats, gravel plains, and sparse scrub zones, often following the edges of dry wadis where insect activity is highest.
 
They are opportunistic hunters, using bursts of speed to chase down anything they can overpower—small beetles, roaches, orthopterans, and soft‑bodied invertebrates. Their eyesight is surprisingly good for a ground beetle, and they rely heavily on movement to trigger their predatory response. When threatened, they raise the forebody and flare their mandibles, and if pressed further they deploy their well‑known formic acid spray, a potent deterrent that allows them to stand their ground even against larger animals.
 
Despite the harshness of their environment, A. sexmaculata is not a wanderer without purpose. Individuals maintain loose territories and follow habitual routes between shelter sites, hunting grounds, and moisture sources. They shelter under stones, in shallow scrapes, or in abandoned burrows during the heat of the day, emerging only when temperatures drop to a survivable level.