{
  "id": 9814907,
  "title": "Two New Stick Insect Species Have Been Discovered in Australia—and Another One Was Hiding in Plain Sight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/two-new-stick-insect-species-have-been-discovered-in-australia-and",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-25T19:03:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Smithsonian",
    "slug": "smithsonian",
    "url": "https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-new-stick-insect-species-have-been-discovered-in-australiaand-another-one-was-hiding-in-plain-sight-180989575/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australian researchers have identified two new species of stick insects, contributing to the growing diversity of the Anchiale genus. The study, published in Austral Entomology on September 21, reveals the elusive nature of these creatures, which can seem to disappear among vegetation. Stick insects, belonging to the order Phasmatodea, are known for their ability to camouflage or employ various defense mechanisms against predators. The largest known Australian stick insect can reach over two feet in length, while the heaviest can weigh nearly as much as a golf ball. Despite their widespread presence globally, with over 3,000 species, much remains unknown about stick insects. The newly discovered species, Anchiale mabiensis, lays eggs with a distinct, ringed appearance, setting it apart from other known species. Another species, Anchiale robusta, had been misidentified for decades, coalesced with another species, Anchiale briareus, when it should have been recognized as distinct. The research also reinstated the recognition of Anchiale albopunctata, a species previously lumped together with Anchiale briareus for over a century. Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting the habitats of these newly discovered species, as many of their original habitats have been destroyed for agriculture. This research highlights the significance of close examination of museum specimens and the continued exploration of known species to uncover hidden biodiversity.",
  "summary": "The new discoveries emphasize that scientists have a lot left to learn about insect diversity, even in areas with many observations",
  "key_points": [
    "Two new stick insect species discovered in Australia.",
    "Anchiale mabiensis identified by distinct egg appearance.",
    "Anchiale robusta misidentified for decades, now recognized as distinct."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}