It was these same mystic highlands of Far North Queensland where researchers recently discovered an astonishing new species of stick insect. Named Acrophylla alta, this impressive-looking insect should be the heaviest insect ever recorded in Australia to date. The finding occurred in the Atherton Tablelands, a place known for its rich biodiversity and rare mountainous ecosystems.
Three years ago, Angus Emmott moved from a western Queensland cattle station to the lush Atherton Tablelands. It was during this exploration of Peru’s high-altitude forests that he made an extraordinary discovery. He found one heavy lady Acrophylla alta coming in at a whopping 44 grams. This impressive mass is no small feat – it is presumably Australia’s heaviest insect. Emmott collaborated with Adjunct Professor Peter Valentine, a respected figure in the Wet Tropics Management Authority, to confirm the species’ uniqueness.
Discovery in the Wet Tropics
The researchers found Acrophylla alta flourishing at elevations over 900 meters. This amazing discovery happened between Millaa Millaa and Mount Hypipamee, deep in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This specific habitat, characterized by its lush canopies and diverse flora, is crucial for the survival of many endemic species. The high-altitude environment poses challenges for researchers, as Emmott noted, “They live in high-altitude forest, high in the canopy, and unless a bird knocks one down or you get a cyclone or a storm that knocks one down, we just can’t find them up there in the canopy.”
The stick insect’s scientific name, Acrophylla alta, is a reference to its high-mountain home. Emmott felt confident that it was indeed a new species once she examined its eggs after laying. He stated, “We looked at its eggs after it laid some eggs and we were absolutely certain it was a new species.”
Conservation Concerns
The finding of Acrophylla alta is emblematic of larger environmental crises overwhelming the area. While recognizing the significant challenges ahead, both Emmott and Professor Valentine strongly advocated for conserving the unique habitat of the Wet Tropics. Valentine pointed out that many invasive species threatening these ecosystems were not introduced deliberately: “Most of the invasive species which are a real concern to the wet tropics and other natural environments in north Queensland didn’t get introduced deliberately to this area.”
The researchers cautioned that without continued investment, there is a real risk of getting complacent. They targeted this help at projects that mitigate invasive threats, like yellow crazy ants. A program to eradicate these pests is now waiting on continuous federal funding past next year. According to Valentine, “The scary thing is we may be losing species before we even know they exist.”
Future Research Directions
Emmott echoed similar sentiments in wanting to learn more about the abundance and distribution of Acrophylla alta. “It would be very good just to know how abundant they are and exactly where they occur because that will help us in conserving them,” he explained. He hopes that learning more about these elusive insects will uncover a wealth of knowledge about the unique biodiversity found in their lofty mountaintop homes.
Valentine noted that canopies are often overlooked in ecological studies: “Canopies are not well studied so there’s a chance there are many more species in the canopy than we can even imagine.” This underscores the urgent need to better understand and research Australia’s unique ecosystems.
