Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying a candidate molecule that mimics at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure of a rU-ACTX-Hv1a insecticidal toxin, the method comprising providing a molecular model made from the atomic co-ordinates for the rU-ACTX-Hv1a insecticidal toxin as disclosed herein, using the molecular model to identify a candidate molecule that mimics the three-dimensional structure of the rU-ACTX-Hv1a insecticidal toxin; and providing the candidate molecule that is identified. The method optionally comprises employing a molecular model identifying the pharmacophoric residues of U-ACTX as Q8, P9, N28, and V34.

Abstract: A method of controlling acarine pests comprises applying to the locus of the acarine pests, an isolated polypeptide toxin, wherein the polypeptide toxin has acaricidal activity. In one embodiment, the polypeptide toxin comprises three intrachain disulfide bonds and/or is a component of a venom of an Australian funnel web spider of the genus Atrax or Hadronyche. The polypeptide toxins may be applied to the acarine pests themselves, to the environment of the acarine pests, to the hosts of the acarine pests, or to an animal vector of the acarine pests, for example.

Abstract: A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.