The giant Malaysian leaf insect is a large species of insect that lives in the Western tropical rainforests of Malaysia. This species exhibits extraordinary camouflage. As its name suggests, it has evolved to blend in with the leaves of the trees in which it lives. Females are 12cm in length, broad and flat in appearance and have small vestigial wings that do not allow them to fly. Males are approximately 9cm in length and much more slender. They have long wings and can fly.
Latin Name
Phyllium giganteum
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Animal Facts
The giant Malaysian leaf insect is very docile and spends most of its time still and unreactive, which further improves its camouflage.
The giant Malaysian leaf insect lives in the Taman Negara rainforest which is 130million years old and one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
While moulting, the giant Malaysian leaf insect is very vulnerable and can easily die if the temperature or humidity of the environment are not ideal, or if they are touched while their bodies are still soft.
Females do not require males to reproduce and can breed asexually, but all the offspring will be female in this case.
The first male giant Malaysian leaf insect was not discovered until 1994, therefore comparatively little is known about the males of this species.
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