Discover Le Tirant’s leaf insect
in a vivarium in the Tête-à-tête room at the Insectarium.
Described in 2018, Le Tirant’s leaf insect is found on Peleng Island in Indonesia. Named in honor of Stéphane Le Tirant, curator of the Insectarium’s scientific collection from its opening in 1990 until 2024, this remarkable insect mimics the shape of a leaf.
Individuals show a range of colors: while most are green, some exhibit reddish or yellowish tones.
In the world of leaf insects, body shape and features alone often fail to clearly distinguish one species from another. In the case of Le Tirant’s leaf insect, it was the unique shape of its eggs that revealed to scientists it was indeed a distinct species.
Unique traits of leaf insects
When camouflage is not enough, leaf insects have another trick they use as a means of defence: they simply let go and drop from their perch, disappearing into the dense tropical undergrowth. This sudden fall makes it much harder for predators to find them.
Another distinctive feature of this species is its eggs. They are covered in tiny hairs and a type of “glue” that helps them stick to leaves and tree trunks. This adhesive activates after the egg is laid, provided it falls onto a surface in a sufficiently humid environment. By anchoring to leaves or trunks in the canopy, the egg remains safely in place, allowing the embryo to develop under ideal conditions.
Scientific name: Phyllium letiranti
French name: Phyllie de Le Tirant
Order: Phasmatodea
Family: Phrynichidae
Egg incubation: Between 4 and 5 months
Lifespan: 8 months
Habitat: Tropical rainforests
Diet : Leaves (including guava, mango, and bramble)
Ecological role : Prey