today's mimic: giant malaysian leaf insect, pulchriphyllium giganteum
photo by bernard dupont
the giant malaysian leaf insect is one of the largest members of the family Philliidae, a family of insects that are highly specialised in object mimicry--sometimes called mimesis--of leaves. this species is a particularly good example, almost exactly matching the model in many subtle ways, such as the flattened legs that resemble half-eaten leaves, the veins on the abdomen, and the brown patterns that match brown discolouration on damaged leaves. to add to the illusion, these insects will sway back and forth like leaves in the wind. even the eggs of the giant malaysian leaf insect show mimicry, as they resemble seeds! this is an example of defensive mimicry: by mimicking leaves and seeds, insectivorous predators are more likely to ignore them.
