Peptide that induces pain in mammals and has insecticidal, antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities. Induces irreversible paralysis in D.melanogaster when tested at high doses. Shows a moderate antiparasitic activity against the major pathogenic nematode of ruminants (H.contortus, EC(50)=24.5 uM). Has moderate to potent antimicrobial activities against all Gram-positive and -negative bacteria tested, and against the fungus C.neoformans (var. grubii), but has no activity against the fungus C.albicans. Strongly induces the increase of intracellular calcium in mice DRG neurons, which is a proxy for neuronal activation that would occur during nociception. This increase is due to influx of extracellular calcium, suggesting that the peptide forms pore or channel in neuronal cell membranes. In addition, intraplantar injection in mice provokes nocifensive behavior, suggesting a pain-inducing activity. Expressed by the spine venom secretory cell. The spine is a cuticular structure containing at its base a single large nucleated venom secretory cell, as well as a central venom reservoir extending throughout the spine. It is an independent unit capable of producing, storing, and injecting venom. Spines are grouped by 50 to 100 in each of the eight venom scoli on the back of D.vulnerans caterpillars. Only secreted by caterpillars. Adult moth do not have spines. Monoisotopic mass. PD(50) is 4.01 nmol/g when injected into D.melanogaster. Belongs to the limacoditoxin-2 (cecropin-like) family.