About 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.
How to Identify Hickory Horned Devil
Hickory Horned Devil (Citheronia regalis) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Saturniidae. Adults typically measure 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult).
Hickory Horned Devil Habitat
Hickory Horned Devil is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Hickory Horned Devil Diet and Feeding
Hickory Horned Devil is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Hickory Horned Devil Found?
Hickory Horned Devil can be found in North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Hickory Horned Devil can be found
Is Hickory Horned Devil Dangerous?
Hickory Horned Devil is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Hickory Horned Devil Role in Nature
Hickory Horned Devil is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Horned Devil
What does Hickory Horned Devil look like?
The Hickory Horned Devil typically measures 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult).
Where is Hickory Horned Devil found?
The Hickory Horned Devil is found in North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Hickory Horned Devil eat?
The Hickory Horned Devil feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Hickory Horned Devil dangerous to humans?
The Hickory Horned Devil is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Hickory Horned Devil?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Hickory Horned Devil (Citheronia regalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hickory-horned-devil
MLA:
"Hickory Horned Devil." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hickory-horned-devil.