Phryganistria chinensis (Phasmatidae)

[dynastes]

I'm looking for any scientific information about the species Phryganistria chinensis.  It seems to be the largest modern insect - 62.4 centimeters with legs.

It was first spied in 2014. Zhao Li, of the Insect Museum of West China, had spent years searching for the massive insect described by locals. He finally spotted his quarry on the mountain in the Guangxi Zhuang region. The insect returned with Zhao to the museum, where it laid 6 eggs. After hatching, even the smallest offspring cleared 26 centimeters.

But everywhere only journal articles, newspapers, notes, and no one scientific papers. Is there a first description of this species?  Who knows verified information about it?

[trehopr1]

Well, that is certainly an exciting new discovery as of late. The measurement in the photo does lend credence to the claim of it's size. The last I heard of any supersize phasmatids being discovered was back in October of 2008. At the time, a newly described species named Phobaeticus chani from Sabah Borneo was announced. The largest of the 3 specimens known was a female which was donated to the British Museum of Natural History. It was measured at 56.7 cm.
Ironically, the previous record holders also belonged to the genus Phobaeticus; kirbyi (Borneo) and serratipes (Malaysia + Indonesia). I'm very surprised that this new species which has been named has had no notable mention. I've never heard of it before !
I would also add that one has to wonder what sort of habitat is even left in Western China to support something this large and exotic. I can only presume it must have been captured somewhere in far south-western China near or at the border area with Vietnam.
Perhaps, there is still some rainforest type area left there; which reminds me much of the Chiapas region of Mexico which is lush with foliage and vegetation (unlike the rest of Mexico).

[trehopr1]

You know it just struck me that we now have an insect species ( if legitimate ) which rivals the ancient Paleozoic era dragonflies in terms of size. That is to say, that at 62 cm it equals or just barely exceeds the 2 ft. wingspan often quoted in books for dragonflies of the Permian period. What next ? ?

[Adam Cotton]

Bear in mind that if you don't include the legs, head to abdomen tip is about 37cm judging from the photo. That's by no means small, but I'm not sure that including legs is a valid way to measure the size.

Guangxi Zhuang is the Chinese province immediately east of northern Vietnam, and north of Hainan. Presumably this insect was found somewhere in the northern part of the province, which is where most of the mountains are found.

Adam.

[trehopr1]

After reading the article about Chan's Megastick a little further on (than I did last night) I found that the specimen donated to the BMNH in fact only measured 35.7 cm from it's head to the tip of it's abdomen. The rest included it's legs. The article is from the BMNH and is dated 16.October.2008