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.

From New York Times

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

From Reuters

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

From New York Times

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.

From BBC

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 Project Gutenberg