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

They were laid by a wild-caught female Phyllium asekiense, a leaf insect from Papua New Guinea belonging to a group called frondosum, which was known only from female specimens.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

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

Phyllium asekiense is a stunning leaf insect, occurring both in summery greens and autumnal browns.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

Dr. Brock has seen wild stick insects, but never a wild leaf insect.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 1 "Edwardes" to "Ehrenbreitstein" by Various