leaf insect

American  

noun

1. 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.

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leaf insect British  

noun

1. any of various mostly tropical Asian insects of the genus Phyllium and related genera, having a flattened leaflike body: order Phasmida See also stick insect

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Etymology

Origin of leaf insect

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

While searching with a local collector in Malaysia, Mr. Le Tirant discovered it after hitting a tree with his large collecting net, which shook free many leaves and one leaf insect.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

A female Phyllium asekiense, a leaf insect from Papua New Guinea.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

Mr. Cumming, one of the world’s few experts on leaf insects, has never seen a leaf insect in the wild, only specimens in captivity or museums.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

He and Mr. Le Tirant spent several years poring through museum specimens, which has resulted in 21 newly described leaf insect species.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

Nor is there any valid reason against the supposition that even the most remarkable cases of resemblance, such as that of the leaf insect, may have arisen through a process of mutation.

From Mendelism Third Edition by Punnett, Reginald Crundall