hickory horned devil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowInformal, Technical (entomology)
Quick answer
What does “hickory horned devil” mean?
The caterpillar (larval stage) of the regal moth (Citheronia regalis).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The caterpillar (larval stage) of the regal moth (Citheronia regalis).
A strikingly large, blue-green caterpillar with prominent red and black horns, found on hickory and walnut trees in North America. In some regions, the name can evoke an intimidating or monstrous appearance due to its size and fierce-looking horns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in American English, reflecting the insect's native range. A British speaker would likely encounter it only in specialist entomological or natural history contexts. In everyday British English, it is essentially unknown.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes a dramatic, awe-inspiring, but harmless native insect. In the UK, it might simply be perceived as an exotic or peculiar Americanism.
Frequency
Frequent only in US regions where the species is found; extremely rare to non-existent in general UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “hickory horned devil” in a Sentence
The hickory horned devil [VERB: feeds, crawls, pupates].We saw a hickory horned devil [PREP: on, under, near] the tree.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hickory horned devil” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- The child was fascinated by the hickory-horned-devil specimen in the jar.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in entomology, biology, and ecology papers to refer to the larval stage of *Citheronia regalis*.
Everyday
Used by gardeners, hikers, and nature enthusiasts in the eastern United States when describing a notable find.
Technical
The standard common name for the species in field guides and taxonomic references.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hickory horned devil”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hickory horned devil”
- Using 'horned devil' without 'hickory' to refer to other horned caterpillars (e.g., tomato hornworm).
- Capitalising all words as if it were a formal title (it is a common name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not poisonous, does not bite, and is harmless to touch despite its intimidating appearance.
It pupates underground and emerges as the beautiful, orange and grey Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis).
The name comes from its large size, vivid colours, and the prominent, sharp-looking red and black horns on its thorax, which give it a demonic look.
No, it is native to North America. You would only see one in the UK in a specialist insectarium or a museum collection.
The caterpillar (larval stage) of the regal moth (Citheronia regalis).
Hickory horned devil is usually informal, technical (entomology) in register.
Hickory horned devil: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪk(ə)ri ˌhɔːnd ˈdɛvl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪkəri ˌhɔːrnd ˈdɛvəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **devil** with big **horns** living in a **hickory** tree. It's not evil, just dressed for a scary costume party.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE IS CHARACTER: The fierce, 'devilish' appearance of the caterpillar metaphorically assigns it a malevolent character trait it does not possess.
Practice
Quiz
Where would you most likely encounter a hickory horned devil?