leaf butterfly

noun

: any of a genus (Kallima) of nymphalid butterflies of southern Asia with wings resembling dried or dead leaves

Examples of leaf butterfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Read More: The Butterfly with a Dozen Disguises Another example is the dead leaf butterfly, which closes its wings to resemble a brown leaf, including veins and spots. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 The undersides of the Indian leaf butterfly's wings are perfectly camouflaged to blend into a forest floor covered in dry leaves. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Look no further than the camouflage abilities of the dead leaf butterfly, the flower mantis, or the freaky vanishing octopus for proof. Bethany Hubbard, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaf butterfly was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near leaf butterfly

Cite this Entry

“Leaf butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf%20butterfly. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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