The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from Xenorhabdus, and, in particular, to genomic DNA sequences, and to nucleotide sequences that encode insecticidal proteins from Xenorhabdus bovienii, strain Xs85831. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules present in non-coding regions as well as nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins, fragments of proteins, tRNA's, fragments of tRNA's, rRNA's, and fragments of rRNA's. In addition, proteins and fragments thereof and antibodies capable of binding specifically to the proteins are encompassed by the present invention. The invention also relates to methods of using the disclosed nucleic acid molecules, proteins, protein fragments, RNA's, and antibodies, for example, for gene identification and analysis, preparation of constructs, and protecting plants from insect infestations.