A large and previously unknown stick insect has been discovered in the misty forests of Far North Queensland \u2014 and it might just be Australia’s heaviest insect.<\/p>\n
The giant stick insect has been named Acrophylla alta, a nod to its high-altitude habitat in the Atherton Tablelands.<\/p>\n
James Cook University Adjunct Professor Angus Emmott and south-east Queensland scientist Ross Coupland searched for the stick insect after they received a photograph of what they believed was an unknown species.<\/p>\n
Despite its elusive nature, they managed to find a large female at an elevation above 900 metres between Millaa Millaa and Mount Hypipamee in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.<\/p>\n
“We looked at its eggs after it laid some eggs and we were absolutely certain it was a new species,” Mr Emmott said.<\/p>\n
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The giant stick insect Acrophylla alta has been discovered in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. (Supplied: James Cook University)<\/p>\n
Two females have since been found, including one that a friend of Mr Emmott’s found in a garden.<\/p>\n
“They let it go afterwards, but they weighed it and photographed the weighing of it, and it was 44 grams,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We believe it’s the heaviest insect in Australia to date that’s been scientifically described.<\/p>\n
“I’m not sure exactly how to go about [verifying] that. I know the large burrowing cockroach was considered the heaviest insect, but it only gets into the mid-30 grams.”<\/p>\n
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A female Acrophylla alta weighed in at 44 grams. (Supplied: James Cook University)<\/p>\n