Mechanism of Ca 2+ in regulating pupation defects of Bombyx mori after exposure to chlorantraniliprole

Abstract Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is a novel amide insecticide widely used in agriculture. Trace residues of CAP in the environment pose a threat to the development and metamorphosis of silkworm ( Bombyx mori ). However, the mechanisms by which CAP exposure disrupts insect metamorphosis remain poorly understood. This study investigated the levels of intracellular Ca 2+ and 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) following exposure to low concentrations of CAP. The results revealed that CAP exposure both directly caused increased Ca 2+ levels and indirectly promoted an increase in Ca 2+ levels by inducing an elevation in 20E levels. Furthermore, increased Ca 2+ level inhibited the expression of Ftz‐f1, leading to abnormal pupation. Our study reveals, for the first time, the sublethal effects of CAP mediated by the Ca 2+ ‐Ftz‐f1 axis. The findings herein provide a reference for evaluating the safety of environmental residues of amide pesticides on insects.