A cell line derived from the larval-fat body tissues of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linne, was established in MGM-450 medium. The cells grew in suspension and were mainly spherical in shape. Population doubling time was between 1.4 and 1.7 d over a range of 15 to 35 degrees C, and the maximum growth rate was at 25 degrees C. The chromosome number ranged from 70-239, with a mode of 170. The cells were sensitive to 20-hydroxyecdysone, which stimulated their growth and induced morphological changes. The cell line was designated GaMe-LF1.