Leaf Insects

(Phylliidae), a family of insects of the order of Phasmodea. The insects have broad flattened bodies and leaflike broadened legs. The females have no hindwings and are unable to fly; the form and vein pattern of the forewings, or tegmina, make them resemble a leaf (hence the name); this protective similarity (mimicry) is increased by the coloration, which blends with leaf colors. The males’ shortened tegmina are not leaflike; their hindwings are well developed, and the males are capable of flight. There are about 20 species, distributed primarily in tropical Asia.