Two new large stick insect species have been identified by Australian researchers, highlighting the ongoing discoveries in insect diversity. Both species were found in far north Queensland and are detailed in a study published in Austral Entomology.
One of the newly identified species, Anchiale robusta, had been misidentified for decades despite its popularity among enthusiasts and scientists. Dr. Braxton Jones of the University of Sydney, the study's lead author, noted that morphological differences and varied habitats initially suggested a more complex story. Analysis of DNA, museum collections, citizen science records, and surveys confirmed the misidentification.
Anchiale robusta females can grow to a body length of 12 to 16cm, while males reach 9 to 10cm. Their wings are mostly black, with some displaying a purple tint on the underside of their hindwing. The research also described Anchiale mabiensis, a species found in Queensland's critically endangered Mabi rainforest, with females measuring approximately 11 to 12cm long. This species' eggs feature an unusual structural "lid" that detaches upon hatching.
The research indicates that what were previously thought to be two species are, in fact, five species across habitats from northern New South Wales to tropical north Queensland. This finding has important conservation implications due to the species being found in smaller habitat ranges than previously understood. The study also identified another probable new species in Cape York, which requires more specimens for confirmation.