Lipid surface droplet 2 (LSD2) regulates lipid metabolism and male reproductive physiology in adult Sitotroga cerealella

Insect metabolism plays a critical role in shaping reproductive physiology, offering valuable insight for pest management strategies and ecological understanding. In this study, we investigated the regulation of the lipid surface droplet protein LSD2 and its impact on lipid metabolism and male reproductive events in Sitotroga cerealella. Using ScLSD2 RNAi, we assessed it effects on energy metabolism, sperm count, motility, oviposition, and hatchability in S. cerealella adults. Our results reveal tissue-specific expression of ScLSD2, predominantly in the fat body. Silencing ScLSD2 led to reduced mating rates, sperm motility parameters, oviposition, and hatchability, alongside alteration in energy metabolites, including decreased in lipid droplets, triglyceride and glycerol levels and increased diglyceride content. Additionally, sperm quantification revealed significant reductions in eupyrene sperm count following ScLSD2 silencing, indicating impaired reproductive function. These results show the pivotal role of LSD2 in linking lipid metabolism and reproductive physiology in S. cerealella, positioning it as a promising target for pest management strategies.