Caterpillar twitches in an ultraquiet chamber are helping biologists understand how these insects hear without ears

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.

A tobacco hornworm caterpillar is exposed to vibrations in an anechoic chamber. Binghamton University, State University of New York 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…