Phobaeticus chani, the Chan's megastick (also known by its synonym Sadyattes chani), is a species of stick insect in the tribe Pharnaciini, native to the southeast Asian island of Borneo.Phasmida Species File: species Phobaeticus chani Bragg, 2008 (Version 5.0/5.0) It is one of the longest insects in the world and was once considered the record-holder (it is currently held by a scientifically undescribed species discovered in 2014 and informally known as Phryganistria "chinensis"). One specimen held in the Natural History Museum in London measures . This measurement is, however, with the front legs fully extended. The body alone still measures an impressive .
It is named after amateur Malaysian naturalist Datuk Chan Chew Lun.
Phobaeticus chani was selected as one of "The Top 10 New Species" described in 2008 by the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University and an international committee of taxonomists.Scientists announce top 10 new species. ASU News, May 22, 2009. The species was also listed as one of the top 10 discoveries of the decade in the BBC television documentary Decade of Discovery, first broadcast on December 14, 2010.Decade of Discovery. BBC iPlayer.
References
External links Phasmid Study Group: Phobaeticus chani Image of insect