On some remains of the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis (Montrouzier)) (Phasmida) from Ball's Pyramid

By C. N. Smithers

The large, flightless Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis (Montrouzier)) was abundant on the island in 1916 (Lea, 1916). The introduction of rats in about 1918 is generally thought to have been responsible for the very rapid decline in numbers of the phasmid. It was generally considered to be extinct until McAlpine (1967) reported on a photograph of a dead specimen taken on Ball's Pyramid. Mr. J. Smith recently paid a visit to Ball's Pyramid and made a small collection of insects, amongst which are incomplete remains of one female and one immature phasmid, collected on 3rd March, 1969.


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