Abstract: It is summarized a new class of fermentation-derived insect control agents spinosyns which is effective against a variety of lepidoteran insect pests and exhibits activity in varying degrees against a broad spectrum of insect pests. In recent years, people have carried many investigations about spinosyns and acquired many valuable results.Their chemical structure, physical characters, development, efficacy ,key points of the total synthesis and the efforts to improve the efficacy of the spinosyns are reported.