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Size
Up to about 2.8 inches (7 cm) in length -
Diet
Leaves -
Range
Phillipines -
Habitat
Tropical rainforests
Physical Characteristics
- A large, distinctly leaf-like insect.
- Color ranges from pale yellow to vibrant green. Males are smaller and slimmer-bodied than females.
- Adult males have fully developed functional wings. Adult females have wide, flat wings, but no second set of underwings; they cannot fly.
- Up to about 2.8 inches (7 cm) in length.
Animal Fact
Adult leaf insect males have fully developed, functional wings. Adult females have wide, flat wings, but no second set of underwings; they cannot fly.
Diet / Feeding
- Herbivores; diet consists of leaves.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs naturally in the Philippines, though bred for home terrariums and hobbyists all over the world.
- Found primarily in tropical rainforests.
Reproduction & Growth
- Eggs are scattered and hatch in about four months.
- Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood in usually 5-6 months.
Conservation Status
- “Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Primarily nocturnal. Most leaf insects will spend their days resting motionless among the leaves, nearly invisible.
- Nymphs have been observed to be able to regenerate lost limbs with the next molt.
Sources
- Keepinginsects.com
- Insects, Peterson Field Guides
- A Guide to Insects and Spiders, Audubon Society
