Discovery of new Australian stick insect species reveals case of mistaken identity
Summary
Australian researchers found two new large stick insect species in far north Queensland. One had been mistaken for a known species for many years, showing how much is still unknown about insect types in Australia.Key Facts
- Scientists described two new stick insect species in Queensland: Anchiale robusta and Anchiale mabiensis.
- Anchiale robusta had been confused with another species for decades before DNA and other studies clarified its identity.
- Female Anchiale robusta insects are 12 to 16 cm long, males 9 to 10 cm, with mostly black wings sometimes showing purple underneath.
- Anchiale mabiensis lives in the endangered Mabi rainforest and females are about 11 to 12 cm long.
- The stick insect eggs have unique features; for example, Anchiale mabiensis eggs have a "lid" that falls off when the insect hatches.
- Researchers found that what was thought to be two species across northern New South Wales to tropical Queensland are really five species.
- The findings matter for conservation because these insects live in smaller areas than previously believed.
- Another possible new stick insect species was found in Cape York but needs more study to confirm.
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