314 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



Tin: remarkable being which is shown below is the best known 

 of those creatures which are popularly designated as Leaf Insects, 

 in consequence of the almost exact resemblance which they bear 

 to Leaves. 



If the reader will imagine that the insect in question is of a 

 bright leaf-green, he will see how close is the resemblance, 

 [ndeed, I have found great difficulty in pointing out a living 

 specimen to persons who came on purpose to look at it, so exact 



tffc 



Fig. 157.— Phyllium Scythe. 

 (Green ) 



was the resemblance between the insect and the leaves of the 

 plant on which it was sitting. This resemblance is stronger in 

 the female than in the male, in consequence of the absence of 

 wings and the -real. a' si/e of the elytra, with their leaf-like 

 uervures. It is a very variable insect in point of size, some being 

 about as large as the figure, and many being very much larger. 

 It is ;i native of India. 



If the elytra be examined against a strong light and with 

 a moderately powerful magnifying-glass, they will be seen to 

 1„. covered with delicate reticulations very much like the old 



