The insect has a green, broad body and legs and frequently has spots. Both females and males occur in shades of green, yellow, and orange. Java leaf insects would be greenish or brownish as adults. Males range from 2.6 to 3.7 inches (66 to 94 mm). The organism's fore wings and camouflage are used for defense. The antennae of the females are very short, while those of the male are longer. Adult females are 1.8–2.7 inches (46–69 mm) in length. The species also has hind wings which are used for flying by males, but are unused by females. Young Phyllium bioculatum are about 2 cm (0.79 in) long, dark red in color and have reflex immobility. The species molts 5–6 times in a lifetime. Females are heavy-bodied and flightless, and each lays about 500 eggs in a lifetime. The abdomen is narrower at the base, and the femur of the fore legs are dilated.
