What is "ecdysteroid"

n. (context biochemistry English) Any of a group of hormones responsible for moulting in insects and other functions in other invertebrates and plants.

Ecdysteroids are insect moulting and sex hormones; examples of ecdysteroids include ecdysone, ecdysterone, turkesterone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. Ecdysteroids also occur in other invertebrates where they can play a different role. Phytoecdysteroids also appear in many plants mostly as a protection agents (toxins or antifeedants) against herbivore insects.