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

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

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

Mr. Le Tirant, who has gone on many insect-collecting trips, has seen only one leaf insect in the wild.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2020

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

In the picking of the grapes the greatest care should be taken to discard the mouldy, dry, and dirty grapes, and leaf insect worms should likewise be got rid of.

From The Art of Living in Australia ; together with three hundred Australian cookery recipes and accessory kitchen information by Mrs. H. Wicken by Muskett, Philip E.