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leaf insect

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun leaf insect has 1 sense
  1. walking leaf, leaf insect - tropical insect having a flattened leaflike body; common in southern Asia and the East Indies
    --1 is a kind of phasmid, phasmid insect
    --1 is a member of Phyllium, genus Phyllium

Definitions from the Web

Leaf Insect

A leaf insect, also known as a walking leaf or a walking stick, is a type of insect that closely resembles the appearance of leaves or sticks. It is a master of camouflage, blending perfectly with the surrounding foliage to avoid detection from predators.

Meaning and Usage

The term "leaf insect" is commonly used to refer to insects belonging to the family Phylliidae, which includes over 50 known species. These insects are found in tropical regions and are most commonly recognized for their remarkable ability to mimic plant matter. The term can also be used more generally to describe any insect that resembles the shape, color, or texture of a leaf or stick.

Senses and Examples

Sense 1: Referring to insects belonging to the family Phylliidae:

Example 1: The leaf insects in the zoo exhibit were indistinguishable from the real leaves.

Example 2: The female leaf insect laid hundreds of eggs on the underside of a leaf.

Sense 2: Referring to insects that mimic the appearance of leaves or sticks:

Example 1: The walking stick slowly moved, mimicking the swaying motion of a leaf in the breeze.

Example 2: The hiker was amazed to discover a perfectly camouflaged leaf insect on a branch.

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