Phyllium monteithi

Walaphyllium monteithi (formerly Phyllium monteithei) is a species of phasmatodea in the family Phylliidae (leaf insect). P. monteithi is found in tropical Queensland in Australia. The type specimen was collected from Mount Lewis, near Julatten. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis and conventional mating.

Monteith's leaf-insect
Captive bred females from Innisfail, Queensland
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Phasmatodea
Family:	Phylliidae
Genus:	Walaphyllium
Species:	W. monteithi
Binomial name
Walaphyllium monteithi Brock & Hasenpusch, 2003
Synonyms
Phyllium monteithi

Range

Walaphyllium monteithi inhabits areas with dense foliage, where it can blend in with leaves to avoid predation. The species is native to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Known areas include: Cairns (mainly Kuranda, one sighting in Redlynch^[1]), Garradunga,^[2] Mount Hypipamee National Park,^[3] and Tully Falls National Park^[4](southernmost sighting).

Range of Walaphyllium monteithi (red)

Description

W. monteithi closely resembles a leaf, exhibiting venations.

Walaphyllium monteithi female (top) and male (bottom)

This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and more leaf-like than males. Females have broad, flattened bodies that mimic leaves, while males are more slender and have fully developed wings for flight. The coloration of W. monteithi varies from bright green to orange, allowing individuals to match their surroundings. Males are between 61 and 64 mm in length, females to 76 mm.^[5][6][7][8]

Defense

Apart from camouflage and mimicry, W.monteithi can employ sudden movements to confuse predators. This includes swaying side to side, trying to mimic a leaf in the wind to avoid detection. They are also known to release a smell which is noted to resemble “old potatoes”.^[9]

Diet

The diet of W. monteithi includes:^[10][11]

• Brush cherry (szygium australe)- most commonly food plant in captivity (Australia)
• Common lilly pilly (szygium smithii)
• Golden penda (xanthostemon chrysanthus) - individuals who feed on this are often noted to turn orange/red
• Cape ironwood (gossia floribunda)
• Guava (Psidium guajava)
• Bramble (rubus sp.)
• Salal (gaultheria shallon)
• Eucalyptus (eucalyptus sp.)
• Hypericum (hypericum “hidcote”)
• Hazelnut (corylus avellana)
• Rose (rosa sp.)

Cultivation

W. monteithi is kept by insect enthusiasts and breeders due to its unique appearance and fascinating behaviour. Captive breeding requires a warm and humid environment with suitable host plants. The species needs vertical space for moulting, as improper moulting conditions can lead to deformities.