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In this sexually dimorphic species, the female is green or yellow and leaf-shaped, while the male is brown and looks like a dead curled leaf. Both have sharp body spines and can painfully clamp nosy predators with their spiny hind legs.

male and female giant spiny leaf insects

Did You Know?

They lay their eggs in the ground and they take about a year to hatch.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Heteropteryx dilatata

Range:
Malaysia

Habitat:
Tropical rainforest

Lifespan:
4 months

Zoo Location:
World of the Insect

Diet:
Guava leaves