Crossword Genius

More attractive as a plant than as an insect perhaps (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

creeper

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'more' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'attractive as a plant than as an insect perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' could be 'per' and 'per' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'cree' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for creeper that I've seen before include "Ivy is one" , "one going up the wall after 8 [STATE = VIRGINIA]" , "Reptile" , "Ivy or Virginia, for example" , "Climbing plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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