Ligand for the CCHamide-1 receptor CCHa1-R. Expressed in endocrine cells of the larval midgut (at protein level) (PubMed:24098432, PubMed:24850274). Low levels in larval brain with higher levels in larval and adult gut and adult brain (PubMed:24098432). Very low expression in eggs. Expression increases during larval stages, decreases in pupae and increases again in adults. No effect on developmental timing or on levels of the insulin-like peptides Ilp2 and Ilp3.