A host-plant specialist, Helicoverpa assulta, is more tolerant to capsaicin from Capsicum annuum than other noctuid species

► Capsaicin is a pungent secondary compound from Capsicum fruit. ► Helicoverpa assulta, a specialist feeding on Capsicum fruit, is more tolerant to dietary capsaicin than other noctuid moths. ► H. assulta larvae also show higher tolerance to capsaicin injected into the hemocoel. ► Capsaicin injection results in paralysis, indicating a component of neuronal toxicity.