Walking Leaves

• An international research team has described seven previously unknown species of leaf insects, also known as walking leaves.

ABOUT WALKING LEAVES

• They are any of over 50 species of flat, generally green insects (order Phasmida or Phasmatodea) with a distinct leaflike appearance.
• They are generally brown or green, with some being somewhat speckled or having serrated edges, similar to nibbled leaves.
• Global distribution- their native range stretches from Indian Ocean islands to areas of mainland South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as Papua New Guinea and Australia in the western Pacific.
• They prey on vegetation and like highly forested places.
• Males tend to be smaller than females.
• Their arms and legs can regenerate.
• Males are able to fly for short distances because of highly developed hind legs whereas females cannot fly.
• They’re also largely nocturnal resulting in a relative lack of movement during the day.