Australia’s heaviest insect discovered in tropical rainforest

The heaviest insect in Australia, weighing over 40 grams, has been discovered in the tropical rainforests of Queensland.

According to Report, citing Australian broadcaster ABC, a large, previously unknown stick insect species was found in the misty forests of far north Queensland. It is believed to be Australia’s heaviest insect.

The new species, named Acrophylla alta, can weigh up to 44 grams and typically inhabits high-altitude forests, mostly in tree canopies.

Entomologists searching the area discovered a female of this species at an altitude of around 900 meters, later finding two more females, though a male has yet to be located.