<hw>Phascolome</hw>, and <hw>Phascolomys</hw>, <i>n</i>. The first is the anglicised form of the second, which is the scientific name of the genus called by the aboriginal name of <i>Wombat</i> (q.v.) (Grk. <i>phaskowlos</i> = leathern bag, and <i>mus</i> = mouse.)
<hw>Phasmid</hw>, <i>n</i>. the name for the insects of the genus <i>Phasma</i> (Grk. <i>phasma</i> = an appearance), of the family <i>Phasmidae</i>, curious insects not confined to Australia, but very common there. The various species are known as <i>Leaf-insects</i>, <i>Walking leaves</i>, <i>Stick-caterpillars</i>, <i>Walking-sticks</i>, <i>Spectres</i>, etc., from the extraordinary illusion with which they counterfeit the appearance of the twigs, branches, or leaves of the vegetation on which they settle. Some have legs only, which they can hold crooked in the air to imitate twigs; others have wings like delicate leaves, or they are brilliant green and covered with thorns. They imitate not only the colour and form of the plant, but its action or motion when swayed slightly by the wind.
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 209:
"A span-long Phasmid then he knew,
Stretching its fore-limbs like a branching twig."
<hw>Pheasant</hw>, <i>n</i>. This common English bird-name is applied in Australia to two birds, viz.—
(1) The <i>Lyre-bird</i> (q.v.).
(2) The <i>Lowan</i> (q.v.), and see <i>Turkey</i>.
For Pheasant-fantail, see <i>Fantail</i>.
1877 (before). Australie, `From the Clyde to Braidwood,' quoted in `Australian Ballads and Rhymes' (edition Sladen, p. 10):
". . . Echoing notes
Of lyre-tailed pheasants, in their own rich notes,
Mocking the song of every forest-bird."