Home / Science / Researchers Uncover Two New Giant Stick Insects
Researchers Uncover Two New Giant Stick Insects
21 Sep
Summary
- Two new large stick insect species discovered in far north Queensland.
- One species, Anchiale robusta, was previously misidentified for decades.
- The other new species, Anchiale mabiensis, inhabits Queensland's Mabi rainforest.
Australian researchers have announced the discovery of two new species of large stick insects in far north Queensland, underscoring the vastness of unexplored insect diversity. The species, Anchiale robusta and Anchiale mabiensis, were identified through a combination of DNA analysis, museum collections, and citizen science records.
Anchiale robusta has long been popular among enthusiasts but was only recently confirmed as distinct, revealing a decades-long misidentification. Females of this species can reach 12 to 16cm in body length, with males being smaller.
The second newly described species, Anchiale mabiensis, resides in the Mabi rainforest on Queensland's Atherton tablelands, an area of critical conservation concern. Females measure approximately 11 to 12cm.
This research expands the known Anchiale genus from five to seven species, stretching from northern New South Wales to tropical north Queensland. The findings have significant conservation implications, as these species are now known to inhabit smaller ranges than previously understood.
