Insect immunity

species of fly

Melittin is the main component (40–60% of the dry weight) and the major pain-producing substance of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom. Melittin is a basic peptide consisting of 26 amino acids.

class of peptides that have antimicrobial activity

Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides. They were first isolated from the hemolymph of Hyalophora cecropia, whence the term cecropin was derived. Cecropins lyse bacterial cell membranes; they also inhibit proline uptake and cause leaky membranes.

Hemolin is an immunoglobulin-like protein exclusively found in Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). It was first discovered in immune-challenged pupae of Hyalophora cecropia and Manduca sexta.