Scientists in Australia have discovered a new species of insect in the country’s rainforests. According to foreign media reports, the insect resembles a butterfly and a grasshopper but is unusually large.
An Australian university has confirmed that this is the heaviest insect found in the country to date. The insect weighs 44 grams and measures approximately 16 inches in length.
A new insect was literally just discovered in Australia... "Acrophylla alta," a 40cm stick insect weighing up to 44g, was found in north Queensland's rainforests. It's likely Australia's heaviest insect.
— Tragik (@ItsTragik) August 1, 2025
Talk about nightmare fuel... And the dude holding it without knowing… pic.twitter.com/ceFUQ57hxE
Images and videos of the insect are circulating on social media, prompting widespread public reaction.







