XXL stick insect discovered
06 November 2025
In the heart of the Australian rainforest, an unexpected discovery has captured the attention of scientists and nature lovers alike: a gigantic stick insect that may be the heaviest species ever found in Australia.
This extraordinary specimen - a new species scientifically named Acrophylla alta - proves that Earth’s biodiversity still holds incredible secrets, even in seemingly well-explored regions. The species name Acrophylla alta refers directly to its towering stature. This insect is a true giant: females can reach a length of around 41 centimetres and weigh up to 44 grams. For comparison, that’s roughly the weight of a sparrow. This combination of length and mass makes it a serious contender for the title of heaviest stick insect in Australia - and perhaps the world. But how could such a large creature remain hidden for so long? The answer lies in its habitat and extraordinary camouflage. Acrophylla alta lives in the treetops of the rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands plateau in Northern Queensland - an area that is difficult to explore. Its colouration, ranging from brown to green, allows it to blend perfectly into leaves and branches. This discovery wasn’t accidental. After a storm, local naturalists found a specimen that had fallen to a lower altitude and shared their observations on iNaturalist, a citizen science platform. An entomologist noticed their photos and realised this was an unknown species. This led to a research expedition that successfully collected not only adult specimens but, even more importantly, the species’ unique eggs - essential for its identification and classification. The discovery is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that biodiversity is far richer than we often imagine, even in areas thought to be well understood. Researchers also hypothesise that the insect’s size and weight are adaptations to the cool, humid environment of its habitat. A larger body helps retain heat, reducing energy loss in challenging climatic conditions. The finding of such a large insect highlights the importance of protecting rainforests, which serve as vital “refuges” for unknown species. Every discovery like this is a reminder that habitat destruction not only causes the extinction of known species - it also prevents us from discovering those that still elude us. Acrophylla alta is not just a fascinating giant insect, it is a symbol of the biological richness still waiting to be explored and preserved.
