Abstract: Mosquitocidal compositions and methods include a microbe genetically modified to express a heterologous clostridial mosquitocidal protein 1 (CMP1) protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant thereof and a heterologous non-toxic non-hemagglutinin (NTNH) protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

Abstract: Unique ecdysis triggering hormone nucleic acid molecules and ETH peptides/proteins having biological activity for promoting ecdysis in insects are disclosed. Methods of preparing the peptides/proteins by recombinant means, and use of the peptide/proteins in an insect controlling agent are also provided. Methods of inducing ecdysis using the sequences encoding the ETH peptides/proteins are outlined. Insecticidal preparations that are specific to insects that shed their skin, and that do not pose an environmental threat to humans or animals, are also disclosed employing the nucleic and molecules and peptides and proteins they encode. Processes employing the ETH nucleic acid encoding sequences to identify ETH receptors are also defined. The ETH receptors are employed in screening assays to select organic molecules capable of binding the ETH receptor and inducing ecdysis and eclosion, particularly in insects.