The bacteria produce yellowish-pink aerial hyphae, with bead-like chains of spores enclosed in a characteristic hairy sheath.

S. spinosa was isolated from soil collected inside a nonoperational sugar mill rum still in the Virgin Islands.

[9] The spinosyns and spinosoids have a novel mode of action, primarily targeting binding sites on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of the insect nervous system that are distinct from those at which other insecticides have their activity.

[10] Spinosad has been used around the world for the control of a variety of insect pests, including Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, and many others.

Spinosad's widespread commercial launch was deferred, awaiting final MRL or tolerance approvals in a few remaining grain-importing countries.

[10] The apparent lack of spinosyn A metabolism may contribute to its high level of activity, and may compensate for the slow rate of penetration.

[10] Spinosad resistance has been found in Musca domestica,[19][20] Plutella xylostella,[21][20] Bactrocera dorsalis,[22][20] Frankliniella occidentalis,[23][20] and Cydia pomonella.

[24][25][20] Spinosad has high efficacy, a broad insect pest spectrum, low mammalian toxicity, and a good environmental profile, a unique feature of the insecticide compared to others currently used for the protection of grain products.

[11] Spinosad residues are highly stable on grains stored in bins, with protection ranging from 6 months to 2 years.