Leaf Insect, Phyllium - Male

Description:

Adult Male of a Phyllium Leaf Insect from the family of Phyllidae. Leaf Insects (Phyllium) are sometimes referred to as Walking Leafs. Males are around 5-6 cm with full wings and capable of flight. They are generally mostly green in color to camouflage and mimic the leafs. In the pictures, the legs have browinsh patches, this could be to make them looks more similar to faded leafs and twigs. They have lobes on their legs to make them look like small leafs. Their body are translucent as shown in Pic#1, taken with backlighting. When walking, sometimes they make rocking/swaying movements, making them looks like leafs moving in the wind. This species was quite recently discovered and described in the year 2009.

Habitat:

Secondary forest, endemic to certain regions in Philippines. Known from east coast of central Luzon and Marinduque Island

Notes:

New organism to Project Noah