Chinese province discovers rare species of leaf insect

The rare insect Cryptophyllium yunnanense, belonging to the leaf-insect family within the order Phasmatodea, has been discovered for the first time in the vicinity of Mangshi City in Yunnan Province, western China.

It is endemic to the province (found only within a limited area) and has been included on the list of protected species since 2021. Its discovery in Mangshi helps to clarify the species’ range and provides new data for scientific research, as reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The leaf insect is considered one of the finest masters of camouflage among insects. A long evolutionary process has endowed it with a body shape and leg structure that closely resemble leaves. Notably, the leaf moth’s colouring can change with the seasons, displaying every shade of green. This ability allows the insect to blend in with the surrounding vegetation.

Photo: China Daily

It is known that Cryptophyllium yunnanense leads a sedentary lifestyle, which, together with its body colouration, helps it to hide from predators. Occasionally, the leaf insect sways in time with the leaves rustling in the wind. All these characteristics of the insect make scientific observation of it in its natural habitat difficult.

According to the source, the species Cryptophyllium yunnanense was first described in 1993, but it remains poorly studied to this day.