Nanophyllium australianum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Queensland leaf insect | |
|---|---|
_Figure_23.jpg) | |
| Nanophyllium australianum ♀ | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Phasmatodea |
| Family: | Phylliidae |
| Genus: | Nanophyllium |
| Species: | N. australianum |
| Binomial name | |
| Nanophyllium australianum Cumming, Le Tirant & Teemsma, 2018 | |
Nanophyllium australianum, also known as the Queensland leaf insect, is a species of leaf insect found in the Iron Range in Northern Queensland.[1]
The type specimen for this species was discovered in 1906. It was suggested that it was a variety of Nanophyllium pygmaeum, a species native to Papua New Guinea; however, it is now recognised as Nanophyllium australianum.[1] Phyllium monteithei is the second species of Australian native leaf insect, other than Nanophyllium australianum.[2] As with many species of Nanophyllium, only males were discovered, which explains the enigmatic and elusive nature of these species.[3]
There is a limited amount of information available regarding this species. In 2023, Minibeast wildlife received a donation of a female Nanophyllium australianum from the Iron Range. The female laid eggs, and they have successfully hatched.[4] Additionally, in 1986, a male nymph was collected near Mount Tozer, and taken to Canberra. It was kept alive by feeding on pyracantha.
Males appear black in colour, mimicking certain wasp species. Females appear a greenish colour, however this can change depending on the colour of their surroundings.[5]
