Acrophylla alta
Species of stick insects
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acrophylla alta is a species of stick insect in the tribe Phasmatini described in 2025.[1]
| Acrophylla alta | |
|---|---|
| |
| Holotype female in nature | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Phasmatodea |
| Family: | Phasmatidae |
| Subfamily: | Phasmatinae |
| Tribe: | Phasmatini |
| Genus: | Acrophylla |
| Species: | A. alta |
| Binomial name | |
| Acrophylla alta Coupland & Emmott, 2025 | |
Named the Highlands Giant Acrophylla, this species was found in the Atherton Tablelands: highland tropical forests of Queensland (Millaa Millaa is the type locality).[2] The species was described by scientists Ross M. Coupland and Angus J. Emmott based on two female specimens.[1] The holotype was collected by Coupland in November 2024[3] and the paratype by van Oosterzee, Preece and Emmott in February 2025,[4] and both are lodged at the Queensland Museum.[1]
Description
This species of stick insect is notable in that it may be the heaviest insect in Australia, heavier than the giant burrowing cockroach.[5] One individual weighed 44 g and this may mitigate heat loss in its high altitude environment.[1] The species can be distinguished from other species in the genus Acrophylla by its 265–279 mm long body (c.f. A. titan which is 200–260 mm), and its large (4 x >6 mm) pale eggs that have dense, deep pitting.[1][6]
The species epithet alta refers to the high elevation at which this species is known to occur, higher than 900 m above sea level.[1] Individuals of this species occupy the canopies of very tall trees from 30 to 60 m high, making it difficult to study them.[7]
