Latest news with #Acrophylla
National Geographic
6 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
This colossal stick bug is real. How many more monster insects are out there?
Sitckbugs are evolved to blend in with trees. This recently discovered one is the heaviest known insect in Australia. Photograph By Ross M. Coupland A thousand meters up in a humid, cloud-covered forest, amidst a slew of twigs and limbs, an onlooker spotted something different—this branch had legs. But even for a stick insect, a forest dweller evolved to look like a tree offshoot, this one was unusual. They quickly snapped a picture and posted it to social media. That's how scientists first saw the creature, which is now recognized as a newly discovered species and the heaviest known insect in Australia. 'We didn't expect to find anything this big,' says Angus Emmott, a researcher at James Cook University in Australia who helped identify the insect. 'It's about the length of your forearm.' The largest collected example of the species, now called Acrophylla alta, weighed in at 44 grams—about the weight of a golf ball. It's a third heavier than Australia's previous heavyweight champ, Emmott says, and is just a few inches smaller than the country's longest insect. 'This one definitely blends in better as a branch than a twig' says Nicole Gunter, the curator of entomology at Queensland Museum, home to two Acrophylla alta specimens. New insect species are frequently discovered, and while nearly two million have been identified, there may be as many as 30 million unidentified insect species left in the world. Gunter's own museum collection receives newly identified insects multiple times throughout the year, but it's still uncommon to find one this large.
News18
6 days ago
- Science
- 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.
