Transcriptome analysis and functional study of phospholipase A2 in Galleria mellonella larvae lipid metabolism in response to envenomation by an ectoparasitoid, Iseropus kuwanae

in G. mellonella larvae 24 h post-envenomation significantly decreased the content of 4 unsaturated fatty acids and TG levels in the hemolymph. The content of linoleic acid and α-linoleic acid were significantly decreased and the content of oleic acid was significantly increased by exogenous supplement of arachidonic acid. Meanwhile, the reduction in host lipid levels impairs the growth and development of wasp offspring. The present study provides valuable knowledge about the molecular mechanism of the nutritional interaction between parasitoids and their hosts and sheds light on the coevolution between parasitoids and host insects.