Regulation of fluid secretion. Prolonged ingestion of diuretic hormone 2 by M.sexta neonates results in reduced food consumption, slowed growth and reduced developmental rates. A high percentage of neonates fail to molt into second instar larvae and death usually follows shortly thereafter, suggesting the possible use of this insecticidal peptide in plant protection. Belongs to the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family.