Australia's heaviest insect discovered: Meet the giant sick insect Acrophylla alta
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The newly identified species, Acrophylla alta, was found in the high-altitude rainforests of North Queensland. Measuring up to 16 inches long and weighing around 44 grams, this giant insect highlights the incredible biodiversity hidden in remote forest canopies. The discovery also underscores how much there is still to explore and understand in Earth's natural ecosystems.
Acrophylla alta: Giant stick insect found in remote North Queensland
Acrophylla alta is a newly discovered species of stick insect that has captured the attention of scientists and nature lovers alike.
Found in the high-altitude rainforests of North Queensland, Australia, this massive insect can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, making it one of the largest stick insects in the country. While it's not the longest, that title belongs to Ctenomorpha gargantua at 22 inches, A. alta is believed to be the heaviest, with one specimen weighing approximately 1.6 ounces (44 grams).
The insect was discovered in the Tablelands region, between 1,600 to 3,900 feet (500 to 1,200 meters) above sea level.
This remote and cool, wet rainforest environment, particularly the high canopy, makes it difficult to access and is likely why this species remained undetected for so long. Scientists believe that A. alta only becomes visible when knocked down by storms or birds, explaining its elusive nature.
Why is this insect so big
Scientists believe the insect's size might be related to its environment. High-altitude regions tend to be cooler, and larger body sizes may help animals survive in such climates.
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This idea is linked to Bergmann's Rule, a scientific theory suggesting that animals in colder environments tend to be larger to retain body heat.
How was the insect studied by researchers
The species was formally described in a scientific paper published in June 2024 in the journal
. Researchers from James Cook University, including Angus Emmott, were part of the team who studied and documented Acrophylla alta.
They described it as a 'spectacular new species' and believe its heavy body structure makes it a unique discovery in the insect world.
How does it compare with other giant insects
Acrophylla alta: Up to 16 inches long and weighs about 44 grams (1.6 ounces)
Ctenomorpha gargantua: Can grow up to 22 inches but is lighter in weight
Other large insects may grow long, but few match the weight of A. alta. This makes Acrophylla alta the heaviest recorded insect in Australia, based on current scientific data.
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Time of India
08-08-2025
- Time of India
Australia's heaviest insect discovered: Meet the giant sick insect Acrophylla alta
Australia is known for its extraordinary wildlife, from giant snakes to enormous spiders. Now, researchers have discovered a new contender for the country's most remarkable creature, a massive stick insect that may be the heaviest ever recorded in Australia. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The newly identified species, Acrophylla alta, was found in the high-altitude rainforests of North Queensland. Measuring up to 16 inches long and weighing around 44 grams, this giant insect highlights the incredible biodiversity hidden in remote forest canopies. The discovery also underscores how much there is still to explore and understand in Earth's natural ecosystems. Acrophylla alta: Giant stick insect found in remote North Queensland Acrophylla alta is a newly discovered species of stick insect that has captured the attention of scientists and nature lovers alike. Found in the high-altitude rainforests of North Queensland, Australia, this massive insect can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, making it one of the largest stick insects in the country. While it's not the longest, that title belongs to Ctenomorpha gargantua at 22 inches, A. alta is believed to be the heaviest, with one specimen weighing approximately 1.6 ounces (44 grams). The insect was discovered in the Tablelands region, between 1,600 to 3,900 feet (500 to 1,200 meters) above sea level. This remote and cool, wet rainforest environment, particularly the high canopy, makes it difficult to access and is likely why this species remained undetected for so long. Scientists believe that A. alta only becomes visible when knocked down by storms or birds, explaining its elusive nature. Why is this insect so big Scientists believe the insect's size might be related to its environment. High-altitude regions tend to be cooler, and larger body sizes may help animals survive in such climates. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This idea is linked to Bergmann's Rule, a scientific theory suggesting that animals in colder environments tend to be larger to retain body heat. How was the insect studied by researchers The species was formally described in a scientific paper published in June 2024 in the journal . Researchers from James Cook University, including Angus Emmott, were part of the team who studied and documented Acrophylla alta. They described it as a 'spectacular new species' and believe its heavy body structure makes it a unique discovery in the insect world. How does it compare with other giant insects Acrophylla alta: Up to 16 inches long and weighs about 44 grams (1.6 ounces) Ctenomorpha gargantua: Can grow up to 22 inches but is lighter in weight Other large insects may grow long, but few match the weight of A. alta. This makes Acrophylla alta the heaviest recorded insect in Australia, based on current scientific data. Also read |
News18
07-08-2025
- News18
Heaviest Bug Ever Discovered In Australian Jungle, Weighs...
Last Updated: Scientists discovered Acrophylla alta, Australia's heaviest insect, weighing 44g and measuring 40cm, in the high-altitude rainforests of Millaa Millaa, Queensland People are often afraid of insects, but given their small size, most don't hesitate to kill them. However, imagine if those very insects were much larger, would anyone still have the courage to face them? It's hard to picture such creatures growing in size, but when they do, their appearance can be truly terrifying. This is exactly what happened recently in Australia, where scientists discovered a massive insect, so large and heavy that it has now been declared the heaviest insect species ever recorded in the country. Giant Stick Insect Scientists have identified a new species of stick insect in the dense, high-altitude rainforests of Millaa Millaa in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. Named Acrophylla alta, this insect has stunned researchers with its size. It weighs approximately 1.55 ounces (around 44 grams), roughly the weight of a golf ball—and stretches about 15.75 inches (40 centimetres) in length. While longer stick insects have been documented in the past, Acrophylla alta is now considered the heaviest known species in Australia. Angus Emmott, a researcher from James Cook University who contributed to the discovery, said, 'An insect heavier than this has never been seen in Australia. Its size and weight are likely a result of evolutionary adaptation to its unique environment." Years Of Evolution The insect thrives in cool, moist, high-altitude forests, and scientists believe its large, heavy body helps it survive in such challenging conditions. 'It has evolved over millions of years to live in these tough environments," Emmott explained. Interestingly, it wasn't just the insect's size that confirmed it as a new species; its eggs also played a crucial role. Stick insect eggs are known to have unique characteristics, including differences in structure, surface texture, and size. 'The outer shell, small pits, texture, and even the cap of each species' egg are unique," Emmott added. Acrophylla alta was discovered in the upper canopy of rainforest trees, which explains why it had evaded discovery for so long. 'It lives at such heights that it's nearly impossible for humans to spot it—unless a storm or a bird brings it down," Emmott said. Two specimens have been sent to the Queensland Museum for further research. Scientists hope this discovery will not only deepen our understanding of insect biodiversity but also raise awareness about conservation efforts in Australia's unique rainforests. view comments Location : Australia First Published: August 07, 2025, 16:23 IST News viral Heaviest Bug Ever Discovered In Australian Jungle, Weighs... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Time of India
Australia's heaviest insect ever discovered in Queensland after eluding scientists for years
Hidden in the canopy for centuries Live Events Evolution in isolation A reminder of the unknown (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Scientists in northern Australia have discovered a new species of stick insect so large and elusive, it evaded researchers until now, despite living in plain sight, high in the rainforest insect, named Acrophylla alta , was identified by researchers from James Cook University after being spotted in the high-altitude rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland . Measuring 40 centimeters (16 inches) long and weighing 44 grams (1.55 ounces), about as heavy as a golf ball, it is now considered the heaviest insect ever recorded in Australia.'Being a very large insect, you would think it's very, very obvious to spot,' said Professor Angus Emmott, one of the lead researchers behind the discovery . 'But it lives 20 to 40 meters up in the canopy. Unless a bird knocks it down or a storm brings it lower, no one ever sees them.'The discovery began with a photo sent to Emmott and fellow researcher Ross Coupland. The pair trekked to the remote rainforest to investigate, eventually locating two female insects perched high among the trees near Millaa Millaa. They had to carefully dislodge the insects using a long insects were then studied in captivity, and when one laid eggs, researchers compared them to known species. Each stick insect species has uniquely shaped and textured eggs in this case, the eggs revealed they were dealing with a species unknown to believe the insect's massive size is an evolutionary response to its unique habitat. The cool, moist environment of the high-altitude Wet Tropics likely led to the development of larger, heavier bodies that help the insects regulate their temperature.'It's a cool, wet environment where they live,' said Emmott. 'Their body mass likely helps them survive the colder conditions, and that's why they've developed into this large insect over millions of years.'Nicole Gunter, principal curator of entomology at the Queensland Museum, says the find is a vivid reminder of how much remains undiscovered. 'Discoveries like this reinforce how little we know,' she specimens of Acrophylla alta are now housed at the Queensland Museum for further study, but researchers are still searching for a male, typically smaller and morphologically different, to complete the classification.'This has been hiding in plain sight all along,' Emmott said. 'And it shows us how important it is to protect these incredible ecosystems. Because once they're gone, we might never know what lived there.'
