[Objectives]  To interpret the function of a HaTO-like gene in Helicoverpa armigera, we cloned the full-length cDNA of this gene, determined its expression profile in different developmental stages and different tissues, and detected its transcripts in the head and epidermis of larvae after HaSNPV infection. [Methods]  Full-length HaTO-like cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the gene were further analyzed using bioinformatics software. qRT-PCR was also used to determine the spatio-temporal expression patterns of the gene and its transcript after HaSNPV infection. [Results]  Sequence analysis showed that the full-length cDNA of the HaTO-like gene was 994 bp, which includes a 756 bp ORF encoding region comprised of 251 amino acids, and that it shares relative low sequence identity with homologous proteins of other insects. The results of qRT-PCR indicated that the HaTO-like gene was more highly expressed in fifth instar larvae at 0 h, and in one day old adults, than in other stages. In larvae, the HaTO-like gene was mainly expressed in the head and epidermis whereas in adults it was most highly expressed in the legs. The expression of the HaTO-like gene was also induced in head and epidermis of H. armigera after HaSNPV infection. [Conclusion]  This study determined the sequence characteristics of the HaTO-like gene, and its expression profiles and establishes a theoretical foundation for further elucidating the functions of the HaTO-like gene in H. armigera.