A large, distinctly leaf-like insect whose color ranges from pale yellow to vibrant green. Leaf insects are herbivores whose diet primarily consists of leaves.
  • 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
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