# Spiny Leaf Insect (*Phasmatodea*)

The Spiny Leaf Insect is covered in little spikes and looks like a leaf! They are very good at hiding from other animals.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Tropical forests

![Spiny Leaf Insect](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425889/objects/5586.jpg)

## Appearance

The Spiny Leaf Insect has a flattened, leaf-like body covered in spines, giving it a rough, twig-like texture. Its mottled green, brown, or yellowish coloration perfectly mimics surrounding foliage, making it incredibly hard to spot among real leaves and twigs.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Phasmida
- **Family:** Phasmatidae
- **Genus:** Extatosoma

## Interesting facts

- If a Spiny Leaf Insect loses a leg, it can grow a new one back over several molts!
- Its eggs look exactly like plant seeds, complete with a tiny cap for the nymph to hatch from!
- Males are much smaller and can fly, while females are larger and usually flightless.
- Newly hatched Spiny Leaf Insect nymphs often mimic ants to deter predators.

## Special abilities

- **Master of Disguise:** Spiny Leaf Insect can perfectly camouflage among leaves and branches because of its spiky body and muted colors, helping them avoid predators.
- **Swaying Seeker:** Spiny Leaf Insect can sway gently from side to side, mimicking a leaf blowing in the wind, which helps them further blend into their surroundings.
- **Virgin Birth:** Spiny Leaf Insect has the ability to reproduce without a male, with females laying fertile eggs on their own, ensuring their species' survival.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 70-100 mm
- **Size:** 70-150 mm
- **Lifespan:** 365-730 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

This insect is a strict herbivore, munching on a variety of leaves to get all its energy.

- **Primary Foods:** Eucalyptus leaves, Acacia leaves, Rose leaves, Guava leaves
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Laughing Kookaburra](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laughing-kookaburra) (*Dacelo novaeguineae*) — Preys on large insects, including stick insects.
- **Eats:** Blue Gum (*Eucalyptus globulus*) — The primary food source for this insect.
- **Eats:** [Silver Wattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/silver-wattle) (*Acacia dealbata*) — A common alternative food source in their habitat.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Spiny Leaf Insect?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Spiny Leaf Insect's wingspan?

70-100 mm

### How big is Spiny Leaf Insect?

70-150 mm

### How long does Spiny Leaf Insect live?

365-730 days

### What does Spiny Leaf Insect eat?

This insect is a strict herbivore, munching on a variety of leaves to get all its energy.

### Where is Spiny Leaf Insect usually found?

Tropical forests

### How does Spiny Leaf Insect hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Spiny Leaf Insect have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Spiny Leaf Insect: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spiny-leaf-insect)