leaf insect

any of several orthopterous insects of the family Phillidae, of southern Asia and the East Indies, having a body that resembles a leaf in color and form. Also called walking leaf.

[1860-65]

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or walking leaf

Any of about 25 species of flat green insects (family Phylliidae) with a leaflike appearance.

Leaf insects, which range from India to the Fiji Islands, are about 2.3 in. (60 mm) long. The female has large leathery forewings (tegmina) that lie edge to edge on the abdomen and resemble, in their vein pattern, the midrib and veins in a leaf. The hind wings have no function. The male has small tegmina and ample, non-leaflike, functional hind wings. The newly hatched young are reddish, but become green after feeding on leaves.

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▪ insect

also called  walking leaf  

 any of about 30 species of flat, green insects (order Phasmida) that have a leaflike appearance. The female has large leathery forewings (tegmina) that lie edge to edge on the abdomen and resemble, in their vein pattern, the midrib and veins in a leaf. Females are flightless and so the hindwings have no function. The male has small tegmina and ample, non-leaflike, functional hindwings. Newly hatched young are reddish in colour and become green after feeding on leaves. Colour and form provide protection by allowing these insects to blend with their environment.

      All species of leaf insects are about 60 mm (2.3 inches) long and range from India to the Fiji Islands. These are related to the stick insects in the family Phasmatidae (compare walkingstick).

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