Spinosyn A

Spinosyn A is a naturally-occurring macrocyclic lactone that is a potent insecticide. It is the main component of Spinosad working as a larvicide but also has activity on adult insects and eggs. It is active on Lepdioptera, Thysanoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera. It acts as an agonist of insect nicotinic acetylcholinesterase receptors (nAChRs), which differ both structurally and functionally from nAChRs in vertebrates. As a result, it has low affinity for vertebrate nAChRs and has limited adverse effects in those animals. This agent can be used as a reference compound.