Leaf insect
- Pronunciation
- /leef IN-sekt/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Leaf insect
- Plural
- Leaf insects
Definition
A type of insect belonging to the family Phylliidae, known for its remarkable camouflage that closely resembles a leaf, which helps it avoid predators.
Etymology
Derived from the words 'leaf', referring to the foliage it mimics, and 'insect', from the Latin 'insectum', meaning 'cut into' or 'segmented'.
Example
The leaf insect was almost invisible to the naked eye as it blended perfectly with the surrounding foliage.
Synonyms
- Phasmid
- Walking leaf
Related Terms
- Camouflage
- Phylliidae
- Mimicry
- Stick insect
Usage Notes
Leaf insects' camouflage serves as a primary defense mechanism, making them a subject of interest in studies of mimicry and adaptive evolution.