Scientists have identified a newly discovered stick insect, named Acrophylla alta, that may be the heaviest insect in Australia, potentially surpassing the giant burrowing cockroach, which is currently the heaviest known insect in the country. This remarkable insect, measuring 40cm in length and weighing close to the size of a golf ball, was found in the high altitudes of the Atherton Tablelands in northern Queensland.
The discovery was documented in a peer-reviewed study published in the Zootaxa journal, attributing the habitat’s challenging conditions as a possible reason for the stick insect’s large size. James Cook University researcher Prof. Angus Emmott credited a social media post for alerting them to the potential discovery. Emmott, along with co-author Ross Coupland, managed to find a female stick insect in a hard-to-reach area between Millaa Millaa and Mount Hypipamee, where they had to use a long stick to collect it. The female insect’s unique features confirmed it as a new species, and the duo took it back to Emmott’s home for further study.
Emmott suggests the species’ earlier discovery may have been hindered due to its high canopy habitat, making it seldom spotted unless disturbed by natural events such as cyclones or birds. He also hypothesizes that its size could be an adaptation to the cool, wet environment it inhabits, aiding in survival against the cold conditions.
While identifying more about the species is ongoing, finding a male is proving challenging, due to their significantly smaller size and visual differences from females. Emmott emphasizes the importance of observing the male copulating with the female to confirm their relationship and examine their eggs for definitive classification.
