Meta-diamide insecticides acting on distinct sites of RDL GABA receptor from those for conventional noncompetitive antagonists

► Meta-diamides showed high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura. ► Meta-diamide 7 inhibited A2′ mutant RDL GABA receptors. ► G336M mutation abolished the inhibitory activity of meta-diamide 7. ► Distinct mode of action of meta-diamides was shown.