Two new stick insect species discovered in far north Queensland rainforest
Researchers found that what was thought to be one stick insect species is actually five distinct species.
Australian researchers using DNA, museum records and citizen reports discovered two new large stick insect species in far north Queensland. One, Anchiale robusta, was hiding in plain sight, long popular among enthusiasts but now confirmed as distinct after decades of misidentification.
The other, Anchiale mabiensis, lives in the critically endangered Mabi rainforest. Dr Braxton Jones of the University of Sydney led the study, published in Austral Entomology.
The research revealed that what were once thought to be two species are actually five. This suggests the insects have smaller habitat ranges than previously believed and matters for conservation efforts in Queensland's rainforests.
- 12 to 16 centimetres
- Anchiale robusta female length
- 9 to 10 centimetres
- Anchiale robusta male length
- 11 to 12 centimetres
- Anchiale mabiensis female length
- Dr Braxton Jones, University of Sydney
- Lead researcher
Why it mattersThe discovery helps scientists better protect Australian biodiversity by showing species live in smaller ranges than assumed.
AustraliaTwo new species identified in Queensland highlights the urgency of protecting critical rainforest habitats.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
