phasma

[Greek phasma =an apparition, a specter, from the strange appearance of some of the species.] Entomology : The typical genus of the Phasmide (q. v.). The body is filiform or linear, like a stick. phăş'-mi-dæ, s . pl . [Mod. Lat. phasm (a); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. -idœ .] Entomology : Stick and Leaf Insects; a family of Cursorial Orthoptera. Antenne, thread-like; ocelli, three or none; legs all of equal length, the first not prehensile, thus distinguishing them from the allied Mantide; aspect like that of a brown, or of a green and withered twig, this disguise affording them protection from their foes. Habitat, the warmer countries, especially those of the Eastern Hemisphere. A few are from temperate regions. Two are from the south of Europe, the best known being Bacillus ro i (Ro i's Stick-insect), two to two and a half inches long, from Italy and the south of France. Two, Acrophylla titan , from Australia, and Bacteria aurita , from Brazil, each ten inches long, are the largest known insects. In some the wings and elytra perfectly resemble leaves [PHYLLIUM), others are apterous.