Caterpillar twitches in an ultraquiet chamber are helping biologists understand how these insects hear without ears
Biologists and engineers are studying tobacco hornworm caterpillars in anechoic chambers to understand how they detect predators without ears. The research suggests the insects use sensitive body hairs to hear, which could inspire new microphone technology.
Why it matters
Understanding biological sensory mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in biomimetic engineering and acoustic sensor technology.
A tobacco hornworm caterpillar is exposed to vibrations in an anechoic chamber. Binghamton University, State University of New York Caterpillar twitches in an ultraquiet chamber are helping biologists understand how these insects hear without ears Published: September 2, 2026 8:03am EDT https://theconversation.com/caterpillar-twitches-in-an-ultraquiet-chamber-are-helping-biologists-understand-how-these-insects-hear-without-ears-288877 https://theconversation.com/caterpillar-twitches-in-an-ultraquiet-chamber-are-helping-biologists-understand-how-these-insects-hear-without-ears-288877 Link copied Share article Share article
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In a quiet summer garden, a caterpillar perches on a branch, munching serenely on leaves. A moment later it freezes. It senses danger – and just in time. From behind, a wasp approaches, sizing up its prey.
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars don’t look like they have ears, and yet they’re able to sense predators such as wasps. How does the caterpillar know a wasp is approaching?
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