Growth inhibition ofMusca domestica L. andCulex quinquefasciatus (say) by (-)-3-epicaryoptin isolated from leaves ofClerodendron inerme (Gaertn) (Verbenaceae).

The petroleum ether extract ofClerodendron inerme leaves afforded a compound that matched the clerodane compound (-)-3-epicaryoptin in physical and spectral characteristics. The test compound inhibited the development ofMusca domestica andCulex quinquefasciatus larvae. First- and third-instar fly larvae reared on 3-epicaryoptin-treated diet pupariated later and earlier than their respective controls and adult emergence from puparia was inhibited. Apart from larval mortality, exposure of fourth-instar mosquito larvae to 3-epicaryoptin resulted in death at larval-pupal molt and pupaladult eclosion, indicating inhibition of the molting process.