Scientists have discovered a new species of stick insect in a rainforest in Australia, which they believe is the heaviest ever found in the country.

The new species of Acrophylla alta is 40 centimeters (15.75 inches) long and weighs 44 grams (1.55 ounces), about the same as a golf ball.

How did scientists discover the giant stick insect?

The new stick insect was discovered in the canopies of the mountainous Wet Tropics region of Far North Queensland, in Australia's northeast.

James Cook University's Angus Emmott, who helped identify the new Acrophylla alta species, said the remote habitat was probably also why it had remained undiscovered for so long.

"Their body mass likely helps them survive the colder conditions, and that's why they've developed into this large insect over millions of years,” Emmott said in a statement.

"From what we know to date, this is Australia's heaviest insect... It's restricted to a small area of high-altitude rainforest, and it lives high in the canopy. So, unless you get a cyclone or a bird bringing one down, very few people get to see them,” he added. 

Scientists identified the stick insect as a new species thanks to its distinctive eggs.

Two specimens have been added to the Queensland Museum collection to support future research.

Edited by Sean Sinico