This is a very large insect as its name suggests. The body length is about 25 cm. Its small head lies between its front legs which extend the length even further. The body is green with yellow rings and the hindlegs have prominent curved spines. It lives in open forests and woodland in the tops of eucalypts, usually seen when it is blown down by storms. It has a harmless but impressive threat display when handled. It reveals a flash of red under its hind wings, and lashes out with its hind legs revealing two false eyes.
Photo: Robert Whyte
