This insect resembles sticks or leaves, and their natural camouflage is an important form of defense. They have the ability to remain motionless for long periods of time, and some rock from side to side, similar to the movement of a branch or stick swaying in the wind. It is also thought that the repetitive swaying motion allows the insects to discriminate objects from the background. The ordinal name is derived from the Greek, meaning apparition or phantom.
