PHASMA. 
127 
the leaves of trees. This is evidently a provision of 
Nature for the security of the animal against the 
attacks of birds, &c. as well as for the more ready 
attainment of its prey; since when sitting among 
the branches of trees, &c. it eludes the notice both 
of the former and the latter. Of this kind is the 
Phasma siccifol'mmy (Mantis siccifolia. Lin.) the 
wings of which, when closed, so strongly resemble 
the appearance of a leaf, that the insect is fre- 
quently known in cabinets under the name of the 
walking leaf, as the larva of the Phasma Gigas 
is by that of the walking stick. The female of 
this species has no under wings. 
