The first synthesis of the macrolide insecticide A83543A (lepicidin A) has been completed using a Diels-Alder strategy to construct the carbocyclic framework. Diene synthesis through Pd-catalyzed Stille coupling of a macrocyclic vinylstannane and suitably functionalized vinyl iodide was followed by a diastereoselective Lewis acid-mediated intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction to construct the trans hydrindene