RNA-seq analysis of gene expression changes in cuticles during the larval-pupal metamorphosis of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) was one of the most destructive pest for cruciferous vegetables around the world. P. xylostella is a holometabolous insect that its cuticles must undergo the significant changes during the larval-pupal metamorphosis development. To elucidate these changes at molecular levels, RNA-seq analysis of cuticles from LLS (later fourth instar larval stage), PPS (prepupal stage ) and PS (24 h pupal stage) were performed in P. xylostella.