Archive · 2 Aug 2025
New Heaviest Australian Insect Discovered in Queensland Forests
Imagine a giant stick insect, bigger and heavier than any found before in Australia!
Scientists in Queensland discovered a new type called Acrophylla Alta.
They found these insects in the high, misty forests, using a photo to guide their search.
So far, they've found two females, and one weighed a whopping 44 grams.
That's heavier than the biggest cockroach!
Finding these insects is tricky because they live high in the trees.
This discovery shows us that there's still a lot to learn about the world of insects and other small creatures.
A new species of stick insect, Acrophylla Alta, has been discovered in Far North Queensland, Australia.
Scientists believe it may be the heaviest insect in Australia.
The insect was found in the misty forests of the Atherton Tablelands, at an altitude of over 900 meters.
Two females of the species have been found, weighing up to 44 grams.
The discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.
- Who
- James Cook University Adjunct Professor Angus Emmott and scientist Ross Coupland discovered the insect.
- What
- Discovery of a new species of stick insect, Acrophylla Alta, potentially the heaviest insect in Australia.
- When
- The discovery was recent, and the findings were published in Zootaxa.
- Where
- Misty forests of Far North Queensland, Australia, specifically the Atherton Tablelands.
- Why
- To understand the biodiversity and discover new species in the Australian ecosystem.
- Insect Name
- Acrophylla Alta
- Location
- Far North Queensland, Australia
- Habitat
- High-altitude forests
- Weight (Largest Female)
- 44 grams
- Publication
- Zootaxa
- Discoverers
- Angus Emmott & Ross Coupland