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

The most remarkable of these is the leaf insect which can scarcely be detected from a leaf even after it has been pointed out.

From Project Gutenberg