Anthia thoracica, commonly known as the two‑spotted ground beetle, is a large, imposing carabid native to southern Africa, including Namibia, Tanzania, and South Africa. Adults reach 47–53 mm in length and are instantly recognisable by their glossy black body and the distinctive pale patches of setae on the pronotum and elytral margins. Like many Anthia species, they are powerful, fast‑moving predators capable of defending themselves by spraying a jet of formic acid when threatened—a highly effective deterrent against would‑be attackers. Their combination of size, armour‑like build, and dramatic defensive behaviour makes them one of the most iconic ground beetles encountered in African arid and semi‑arid habitats.
 
These are not a social species and do best kept on their own