Nut Trees
According to the University of Florida's Department of Entomology and Nematology, hickory horned devils are most commonly found on species of the family Juglandaceae, such as walnut, white walnut and butternut. They also inhabit hickories, such as pecan.
Other Host Plants
Other host plants may include persimmon, sumac, sweet gum, ash, sycamore and lilac.
As a Caterpillar
The caterpillar phase lasts about 35 days, and the creature eats continually during this phase.
Pupa Phase
The caterpillar burrows into the ground and remains there as a pupa over the winter. It does not eat during this phase.
The Adult Regal Moth
After emerging from the ground in the spring, the regal moth does not eat for the rest of its short life. It can't: It has no working mouth.