A distinctive feature of H. metabus venom contained in the abdominal setae, is the presence of five S1A proteases.
Sulfated G0F N-glycans in two of the proteases may promote the inflammatory response typical of lepidopterism in humans.
Three other proteins present in the setae are vitellogenin, chitinase and 30 KDa lipoprotein.
Chitinase and 30 kDa proteins are probably involved in the antifungal defense.
Vitellogenin, a protein with cytolytic capabilities, is probably involved in the defense of progenies.