Identification and functional characterization of a novel locust peptide belonging to the family of insect growth blocking peptides.

•Combined hemolymph fractionation, hemocyte spreading assay and mass spectroscopy allowed identification of growth blocking peptide (GBP) in Locusta migratoria.•Locust GBP, 28-mer peptide, is located at C-terminus of a 64 amino acid long precursor polypeptide (secreted protein=64–minus signal peptide….).•GBP elicits locust hemocyte spreading and postpones adult molting.•Most tissues except hemocytes, gut and Malpighian tubules display high GBP expression.•Schistocerca gregaria contains a corresponding encoded peptide with a single amino acid substitution.•can only be 85 characters per bullet line! Including spaces!!.•64-mer precursor having C-terminal 28-mer Locusta migratoria LmGBP.•LmGBP elicits locust hemocyte spreading in vitro and in vivo.•LmGBP extends 5th instar growth period.•Most tissues except hemocytes, gut, Malpighian tubules strongly express LmGBP.