[Aim]  To determine the sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on the cellular immunity of Spodoptera litura larvae and explore the mechanisms of involved in insecticide resistance. [Methods]  Forth instar S. litura larvae were exposed to LC₁₀, LC₂₀ and LC₃₀ concentrations of chlorantraniliprole. Hemocyte morphology, total hemocyte count, phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation were measured to compare the effect of different sublethal exposure doses of chlorantraniliprole on the cellular immunity of S. litura larvae. [Results]  Based on the bioassay, the LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₃₀ values of chlorantraniliprole for 4th instar S. litura larvae after 48 h of exposure were 0.190, 0.459, and 0.868 μg/g, respectively. A moderate increase in the total hemocyte count was observed following exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole. S. litura larvae have several types of hemocytes including prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, and oenocytoids. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole resulted in various morphological changes to some hemocytes such as cell shrinkage, cell membrane deformation, vacuolation, granulocyte degranulation, cell nucleus deformation, cell nucleus apoptosis, among others. Exposure to LC₁₀ chlorantraniliprole for 48 h inhibited phagocytosis. Exposure to LC₂₀ chlorantraniliprole for 12 h promoted phagocytosis, while exposures of 6, 48, and 72 h significantly (P<0.01) inhibited phagocytosis. Exposure to LC₃₀ chlorantraniliprole significantly inhibited phagocytosis, but the inhibitory effect gradually weakened with increasing treatment time. Exposure to LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₃₀ chlorantraniliprole all significantly (P<0.01) inhibited nodulation in S. litura. LC₁₀ chlorantraniliprole exposure inhibited encapsulation, while LC₂₀ and LC₃₀ promoted encapsulation after 12 and 24 h exposure. However, longer exposure times significantlyinhibited encapsulation (P<0.01). [Conclusion]  The results of this study indicate that sublethal doses of chlorantraniliprole affect the hemocyte immunity of  S. litura larvae, causing changes in larval hemocyte morphology, a moderate increase in total hemocyte count, and inhibiting nodulation. Phagocytosis and encapsulation were initially promoted, but then inhibited with increasing chlorantraniliprole concentration and treatment time. This study offers valuable information for future pest control and management strategies from the perspective of insect immunity.