Australia’s heaviest insect found? A huge stick insect the length of a cat discovered in Queensland rainforest

Australia’s Heaviest Insect Found in Queensland Rainforest (Image: Professor Angus Emmott, James Cook University)

Finding rare creatures often takes patience and sharp eyes. In Queensland’s rainforests, two scientists recently spotted something remarkable high in the canopy. It turned out to be a stick insect unlike any other seen before in Australia.

Stick insect beats cockroach weight record

The insect, named Acrophylla alta, weighs about 44 grams and measures 40 cm in length. This makes it heavier than the giant burrowing cockroach, which weighs 35 grams. The cockroach has long held the title of Australia’s heaviest insect. The discovery was made in the Atherton Tablelands rainforest in north Queensland.

Wildlife expert Ross Coupland first saw the insect in a photo. The image was sent to him through social media. Coupland and Professor Angus Emmott then searched for it at night. They finally spotted a large female high in the canopy. A stick was used to bring it down safely.

(Image: Professor Angus Emmott, James Cook University)

Eggs confirm new insect species

The female was kept at Emmott’s home for study. During this time, it laid several eggs for examination. According to Emmott, each stick insect species has unique egg features. Differences include surface texture, shape, pitting and the caps on the eggs. These details confirmed it was a new species to science.

Two specimens are now stored at the Queensland Museum. A male has yet to be found in the wild. Scientists say males and females of stick insects look very different. This can make it harder to match them to the same species.