leaf insect

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.

leaf insect

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf insect¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

“If I was alone, I would never have seen a single leaf insect,” he said, shaking his head at his fortune.

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It is the oldest-known stick or leaf insect that used such natural trickery, they said.

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Butterflies have grown threatening eye-like spots on their wings, and leaf insects use camouflage to blend into nearby foliage.

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The stick insect is so unique that scientists have given it its own genus and do not yet know its relationship to other stick and leaf insects.

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Frequently, as in the case of the stick and leaf insect, the eggs are enclosed in capsules of very elaborate shapes and highly ornamented.

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