Discovery of new Australian stick insect species reveals case of mistaken identity
News Source
β’Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:00:35 GMT
π° What Happened
Researchers have identified two new species of large stick insect in far north Queensland. Both are described in a study published in the journal Austral Entomology.
One is Anchiale robusta. It had been known to scientists and hobbyists for years, but fresh analysis showed it had been misidentified. The other is Anchiale mabiensis, which lives in the endangered Mabi rainforest.
The team used DNA, museum collections and records from citizen scientists. Lead author Dr Braxton Jones of the University of Sydney said the insects looked different and lived in different places, which was the first clue something was wrong.
π The Backstory
The work showed that what was thought to be two species is really five. Their homes stretch from northern New South Wales into tropical north Queensland. That means each species has a much smaller range than scientists once believed.
Anchiale robusta females grow to 12 to 16 centimetres. Males reach 9 to 10 centimetres and can fly, while the heavy females rarely can. Some have a little purple on the underside of their hind wings.
The study also found a likely new species on Cape York, but more specimens are needed. Last year scientists found a 40-centimetre stick insect on the Atherton Tablelands that may be Australia's heaviest insect.
π― Why It Matters
Smaller ranges mean these insects are more at risk from land clearing, fires and extreme weather. The finding shows how much of Australia's wildlife is still unknown to science.
Researchers have identified two new species of large stick insect in far north Queensland. Both are described in a study published in the journal Austral Entomology.
One is Anchiale robusta. It had been known to scientists and hobbyists for years, but fresh analysis showed it had been misidentified. The other is Anchiale mabiensis, which lives in the endangered Mabi rainforest.
The team used DNA, museum collections and records from citizen scientists. Lead author Dr Braxton Jones of the University of Sydney said the insects looked different and lived in different places, which was the first clue something was wrong.
The work showed that what was thought to be two species is really five. Their homes stretch from northern New South Wales into tropical north Queensland. That means each species has a much smaller range than scientists once believed.
Anchiale robusta females grow to 12 to 16 centimetres. Males reach 9 to 10 centimetres and can fly, while the heavy females rarely can. Some have a little purple on the underside of their hind wings.
The study also found a likely new species on Cape York, but more specimens are needed. Last year scientists found a 40-centimetre stick insect on the Atherton Tablelands that may be Australia's heaviest insect.
Smaller ranges mean these insects are more at risk from land clearing, fires and extreme weather. The finding shows how much of Australia's wildlife is still unknown to science.