Corn Earworm vs Hickory Horned Devil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Corn Earworm | Hickory Horned Devil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Helicoverpa zea | Citheronia regalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 35-40 mm wingspan | 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Americas | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Corn Earworm
A highly polyphagous moth whose caterpillars feed inside corn ears, tomato fruits, and cotton bolls. It is one of the costliest crop pests in the Americas.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are cannibalistic, so usually only one survives per corn ear.
Hickory Horned Devil
The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.