LEAF INSECT - PHYLLIUM GIGANTEUM

THE SCIENCE:

Phyllium giganteum, as the species name suggests, is a very large species of leaf insect. In fact, it’s the largest species of leaf insect in the world with females reaching up to 4.3 inches in length and 2.3 inches in width. It’s found in tropical forest habitats throughout Malaysia. This is a particularly special species not only due to its size, but also due to the fact that almost every member of the species that’s alive today is female! The species reproduces parthenogenetically- that is, females lay eggs that automatically hatch into more females, without any genetic contribution from males. Males have been proven to exist, but it remains unclear what roles males play in the natural populations of this species- the very few specimens found (all but one dead) have never been tested for reproductive capabilities. The one publicly-known, living male is kept at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Arthropod Zoo.

THE STORY:

This is one of our most unique, and impressive species of insect! Our all-natural, intact specimens (no fake parts here!) are all of first-rate quality, delicately prepared, mounted, and framed with double-glass glazing in our very own fabrication studio in Upstate New York. We model our frames from solid fine ashwood, and they’re available in both a matte-black, and a natural finish.

Our framed insects are made-to-order. Please allow up to two weeks for your order to be completed. If you need your order sooner than this, please contact us at 212-343-1114 x401 or fabrication@theevolutionstore.com and we will do our best to accommodate you!

DETAILS

SKU: AP-FI3030
Dimensions: 7.00"W x 8.00"H x 1.63"D
Scientific Name: Phyllium giganteum
Origin: Malaysia
Shipping Restrictions: International wildlife export fees apply
Customers with shipping addresses outside of the US will be charged an additional fee. Read our full international wildlife shipping policy here.