Unveiling the latest giant stick insect species, now known for its weight equivalent to a typical golf ball.
In a remarkable finding, scientists have discovered a new species of stick insect, the Acrophylla alta, in a remote rainforest in Australia. This insect, measuring about 40 cm in length and weighing approximately 44 grams (1.55 oz), is believed to be the heaviest insect ever found in the country[1][2][3][5].
The Acrophylla alta stick insect calls the cool, wet, high-altitude environment of the Atherton Tablelands in northern Queensland its home[2][3]. Its large size could be an evolutionary response to its unique habitat, with a larger body mass potentially aiding in heat retention and survival in colder conditions.
Being a large stick insect may also provide advantages in camouflage, defense, or reproductive success in its specific rainforest habitat. Although the detailed ecological roles of the Acrophylla alta are still under study, it is clear that this discovery expands our understanding of insect biodiversity in Australia[1][2].
The remote habitat of the Acrophylla alta is one of the reasons it remained undiscovered for a long time. The rainforest in which it resides is home to a variety of dangerous creatures, including deadly snakes, spiders, and other creepy-crawlies[2][4].
Two specimens of the Acrophylla alta have been added to the Queensland Museum's collection to aid future research. James Cook University's Angus Emmott played a crucial role in identifying the new species[3]. This discovery underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect the diverse and fascinating wildlife found in Australia's rainforests.
[1] ABC News Australia. (2022, August 18). Australia's heaviest insect discovered in Far North Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-18/new-species-of-insect-discovered-in-far-north-queensland/101408324
[2] James Cook University. (2022, August 18). Australia's heaviest insect discovered in Far North Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/australias-heaviest-insect-discovered-in-far-north-queensland
[3] Queensland Museum. (2022, August 18). Australia's heaviest insect discovered in Far North Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/media-centre/australias-heaviest-insect-discovered-in-far-north-queensland
[4] Australian Geographic. (2022, August 18). Australia's heaviest insect discovered in Far North Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2022/08/australias-heaviest-insect-discovered-in-far-north-queensland/
[5] The Guardian. (2022, August 18). Australia's heaviest insect discovered in Far North Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/18/australias-heaviest-insect-discovered-in-far-north-queensland
The Acrophylla alta, a new species of stick insect discovered in Australia, resides in the environmental science domain, given its unique habitat in the rainforest. The large size of the Acrophylla alta could have implications for its health-and-wellness, as its body mass potentially aids in heat retention and survival in colder conditions, thus contributing to the study of life evolution.
