Has antifungal activity against T.rubrum. Blocks voltage-dependent N-type calcium channels (Cav2.2 / CACNA1B). Highly expressed in the fat body. Produced throughout adult diapause, and to a minor extent in pupae, but not in eggs, larvae, or post-diapausing adults. Inhibition of DSP expression does not affect the onset or maintenance of diapause, indicating that the expression of DSP accompanies but does not play a direct role in the induction or maintenance of diapause. Belongs to the diapausin family.