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Leaf insect
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Leaf insect

Place of Origin and Range The family Phylliidae contains the extant true leaf insects or walking leaves, which include some of the most remarkable leaf mimics in the entire animal kingdom. They occur from South Asia through Southeast Asia to Australia.
Description Leaf insects use camouflage (also known as mimicry) to take on the appearance of a leaf. They do this so accurately that predators often aren't able to distinguish them from real leaves. In some species the edge of the leaf insect's body even has the appearance of bite marks. To further confuse predators, when the leaf insect walks, it rocks back and forth, to mimic a real leaf being blown by the wind. Colour ranges from green to brown to rust.
Adult Size Can grow up to 1.5 in (3.75 cm)
Accommodation Temperate, with lots of substrate. Moss or live plants will do fine. Mist daily for humidity and because they drink water droplets on leaves.
Lifespan Unkown
Feeding / Diet You will want to experiment with a variety of leafy greens. Put a glass of water in the cage with cuts ends of branches in the water. Change when they start to wilt.
Other Considerations A 47 million year old fossil of Eophyllium messelensis, a prehistoric ancestor of Phylliidae, displays many of the same characteristics of modern leaf insects, indicating that this family has changed little over time.
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