Discovery of new Australian stick insect species reveals case of mistaken identity
New study describes two species, Anchiale robusta and Anchiale mabiensis , both found in far north Queensland Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Two new large stick insect species have been identified by Australian researchers, in a discovery they say illustrates how little we still understand about insect diversity. The two species, both found in far north Queensland,…
Two new species of large stick insects, Anchiale robusta and Anchiale mabiensis, have been identified in far north Queensland, Australia, by researchers who say their discovery highlights the limited understanding of insect diversity. The findings, published in the journal Austral Entomology, reveal that what were previously thought to be two species are actually five species, inhabiting regions stretching from northern New South Wales to tropical north Queensland.
Dr. Braxton Jones of the University of Sydney, the study's lead author, explained that the two species were hiding in plain sight, as one had been popular among enthusiasts and scientists for years. However, upon closer examination, the team discovered that the previous designation of the insect was a case of mistaken identity. The morphological differences, as well as their living in different habitats, hinted at a more complicated story.
The Anchiale robusta species is characterized by its females, which grow to a body length of 12 to 16 cm, while males reach 9 to 10 cm. Their wings are predominantly black, with some individuals exhibiting a hint of purple on the underside of their hindwings. In contrast, Anchiale mabiensis, which inhabits the critically endangered Mabi rainforest in Queensland's Atherton tablelands, features females measuring 11 to 12 cm in length.
An interesting feature of Ancliale mabiensis is its eggs, which possess an unusual structural "lid" that detaches upon hatching. The research underscores the importance of understanding these new species and their conservation implications, as they were once considered to inhabit smaller ranges than is actually the case.
Despite the fact that stick insects from the Anchiale genus are well-documented on citizen science platforms, due to their abundance and impressive population sizes, there is still much to learn about them. Additionally, the study identified another probable new species in Cape York, but further specimens are needed to confirm this discovery. Meanwhile, in the Atherton tablelands, scientists recently found the 40cm-long Acrophylla alta, which may be the heaviest insect in Australia.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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