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 sic.cifolium, (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 lea as the larva of the Phasma Gigas 

 is by that of the walking stick. The female of 

 this species has no under wings. 



