D. desiccata takes its common name from its resemblance to dead, leafy vegetation including having a flattened, greatly extended thorax and "intricate leaf patterns" on its wings.

[3][5][6][7] It can also react with a threatening display consisting of "black underwings splayed out, with large eyespots, frightening away unsuspecting predators.

"[8] The intricate lines on the mantis' body, which serve to look like the natural veins on a leaf, as well as its dark brown colors, are beneficial to the species as it has been shown to avoid the attention of aerial predators or other insects.

Displaying the sexual dimorphism typical of mantises, males grow only 65–70 mm long and are substantially smaller and lighter than females.

[3][5][9][10] Females' prothorax shields end in a sharp pointed curve on each side while the males have a rounder shape.