Phyllium letiranti

Phyllium letiranti is a species of phasmid or walking leaf of the genus Phyllium. It is only found on the island of Peleng in Indonesia.^[1][2][3]

Phyllium letiranti
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Phasmatodea
Family:	Phylliidae
Genus:	Phyllium
Subgenus:	Phyllium
Species:	P. letiranti
Binomial name
Phyllium letiranti Cumming, Teemsma, 2017

Etymology

The specific name honors the collections manager of the Montreal Insectarium, Stéphane Le Tirant. Le Tirant, a prominent entomologist specializing in scarab beetles, but has always had a passion for walking leafs. As a result of his travels and insect collection, valuable entomological discoveries make further research possible.^{[4][better source needed]}

Description

Phyllium letiranti is found on Peleng Island, Indonesia, being endemic there. It is recognized as a distinct species because of its morphological differences. Though similarities can be seen in other phyllium, unique features separate the species.^{[clarification needed]} Phyllium letiranti is most similar to Phyllium (Ph.) mamasaense. This is realistic based on geographic proximity as well. It is likely that through more analysis and research of this cryptic species group more species will arise.

Diet and habitat

Phyllium are known to feed on various tropical tree leaves including guava, mango, and bramble (Rubus sp.). This particular species is currently only known from Tataba, a village in Indonesia, though it is assumed their range may be larger. This is a leading drive for more research in the future. Given their incredible camouflage, it is challenging to find these individuals in the wild, however successful efforts have been made through blacklight trapping.