Characterized by its robust body and remarkable cryptic adaptations, this orthopteran exhibits a morphology highly specialized for mimicking plant matter. Females of this species display significant sexual dimorphism, reaching lengths of 55 to 70 mm, whereas males are considerably smaller, measuring between 35 and 45 mm. The head is subconical, leading to a prominent arched pronotal crest that closely resembles the texture and central vein of a dry leaf. Its general coloration consists of earthy tones, including grayish brown, ochre, and olive green, which provides exceptional camouflage against fallen leaves and twigs. The forewings, or tegmina, are opaque and leathery, while the hindwings of Xyleus discoideus feature a vibrant pinkish-red or orange basal disc bordered by a dark band. These hindwings are suddenly exposed during flight as a startle display to confuse predators.

Geographical distribution: Occurs widely across the Neotropical region of South America. Documented populations are established throughout Brazil, spanning from the semi-arid northeastern areas to the southern forested regions. Additionally, its range extends into the subtropical zones of Paraguay, northern and central Argentina (with prominent records in the Chaco, Formosa, and Santiago del Estero provinces), and several regions of Uruguay, demonstrating a wide latitudinal tolerance.

Habitat: Colonizes semi-open and transitional ecosystems typical of the South American continent. It is frequently observed in the Cerrado, the Caatinga, shrubby savannas, grasslands, and ecotones between forest edges and open fields. This species prefers microhabitats characterized by abundant low shrubby vegetation and dense herbaceous layers, which offer protection from predators and strong winds, while avoiding dense, closed-canopy rainforests.

Feeding: Operates as a strictly herbivorous and polyphagous primary consumer. Equipped with strong mandibles, it consumes a wide variety of vascular plants, with a marked preference for dicotyledonous leaves from families such as Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Asteraceae. Although not classified as a major agricultural pest, it may feed on the tender shoots of woody shrubs and weeds adjacent to agricultural fields during periods of low resource availability.

Behavior: Displays primarily diurnal activity, relying on thermoregulation by basking in the sun during the early morning hours. Its primary survival strategy is crypsis, remaining completely motionless on branches or leaf litter to avoid detection. When threatened, it executes powerful leaps using its muscular hind legs and can perform short, noisy flights, during which the flashing colors of its hindwings serve as a deimatic warning display to potential predators.

Reproduction: Controlled by seasonal and environmental factors, with mating activities peaking during the warm and humid months. Courtship involves both visual displays and acoustic communication through stridulation, where males rub their hind femora against the tegmina to generate attracting vibrations. Following copulation, the female uses her specialized ovipositor valves to deposit a foamy egg pod deep into the soil. The nymphs emerge and undergo several hemimetabolous instars before reaching adulthood.

Conservation status: Is not currently listed under any threat category on the IUCN Red List. Its extensive geographical distribution and adaptability to transitional or moderately disturbed habitats suggest that its global populations are secure, though localized habitat fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion remains a constant environmental pressure.