© James Cook University – Giant stick insect found in the forests of far northern Queensland.
In the tropical rainforests of Queensland, Australia, the country`s heaviest insect has been discovered – a new species of giant stick insect. According to Australian broadcaster ABC, this previously unknown species, named Acrophylla alta, weighs up to 44 grams, significantly surpassing the previous record holder, the giant burrowing cockroach, which weighs up to 30 grams.
Entomologists who ventured into the misty high-altitude forests of northern Queensland in search of this unique creature managed to locate three females at an elevation of about 900 meters. However, a male specimen has yet to be found. Researcher Cook Emmott stated that the study of the eggs laid by one of the females conclusively confirmed that it belongs to a new species.
These substantial stick insects typically inhabit tree canopies within high-altitude forests.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth