Tobacco hornworm caterpillar hears without ears thanks to sensitive hairs

Scientists are investigating how the tobacco hornworm caterpillar can perceive danger such as an approaching wasp, despite having no visible ears. Research suggests the caterpillar may hear through tiny, highly sensitive hairs on its body. In a completely soundproof anechoic chamber, researchers tested how caterpillars responded to vibrations and airborne sound. The caterpillars reacted to sound even below the threshold...