蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草Samsoniella hepiali模式菌株线粒体基因组系统发育分析

蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草Samsoniella hepiali是重要的药用虫生真菌,根据现代分类系统,隶属于虫草科Cordycipitaceae鳞翅虫草属Samsoniella。本研究对蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草模式菌株(ICMM 82-2)线粒体基因组进行测序、组装和注释,发现其线粒体基因组成闭合环状,大小为24 246 bp。基因区域占比为85.10%,共编码42个基因,包括15个蛋白质编码基因(PCGs)、2个rRNA基因和25个tRNA基因。15个PCGs均以ATG为起始密码子,以TAA为终止密码子,偏好密码子为UUA。各氨基酸使用频率具有较大差异,其中亮氨酸(Leu)出现频率最高。25个tRNA基因可转运全部20种氨基酸,其中19个tRNA基因二级结构为三叶草结构。本研究基于线粒体基因组中14个PCGs基因串联数据集,构建肉座菌目6科50个物种的系统发育树,进一步证实蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草模式菌株系统发育位置隶属于肉座菌目Hypocreales虫草科Cordycipitaceae鳞翅虫草属Samsoniella。通过虫草科线粒体基因组共线性分析,发现其中12个物种有5个同源区,3个物种存在6个同源区,同源区域A和B长度变异较大。与其他虫草科物种相比,蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草线粒体基因组较小,同源区域相对较短。蝙蝠蛾鳞翅虫草模式菌株线粒体基因组信息有助于鉴别其物种特异性,确定其系统发育关系,将为虫草系统发育研究提供新思路,为继续研究鳞翅虫草属物种药用价值提供系统发育依据。     

基于线粒体基因组序列的鞘翅目肉食亚目水生类群系统发育分析

【目的】明确肉食亚目(Adephaga)水生类群线粒体基因组的基本特征,并基于线粒体基因组序列分析肉食亚目水生类群的系统发育关系。【方法】基于Illumina HiSeq X Ten测序技术测定了圆鞘隐盾豉甲Dineutus mellyi和齿缘龙虱Eretes sticticus的线粒体全基因组序列,对其进行了基因注释,并对其tRNA基因二级结构进行了预测分析。加上已公布的鞘翅目(Coleoptera)肉食亚目水生类群17个种的线粒体基因组序列,对该类群共19个种线粒体的蛋白质编码基因(protein-coding genes, PCGs)开展了比较基因组学分析,包括AT含量、密码子偏好性、选择压力等。基于13个PCGs的氨基酸序列和核苷酸序列,利用最大似然法(ML)和贝叶斯法(BI)分别构建鞘翅目肉食亚目水生类群的系统发育关系,并通过FcLM分析进一步评估伪龙虱科(Noteridae)和瀑甲科(Meruidae)的系统发育位置。【结果】圆鞘隐盾豉甲和齿缘龙虱的线粒体基因组全长分别为16 123 bp(GenBank登录号: MN781126)和16 196 bp(GenBank登录号: MN781132),都包含13个PCGs、22个tRNA基因、2个rRNA基因和1个D-loop区(控制区)。19个肉食亚目水生类群线粒体基因组PCGs的碱基组成都呈现A+T偏好性,在密码子使用上也都偏向于使用富含A+T的密码子;在进化过程中13个PCGs的进化模式相同,都受到纯化选择。基于线粒体基因组13个PCGs的氨基酸序列的肉食亚目水生类群的系统发育关系为(豉甲科Gyrinidae+(沼梭甲科Haliplidae+((壁甲科Aspidytidae+(两栖甲科Amphizoidae+龙虱科Dytiscidae))+(水甲科Hygrobiidae+(瀑甲科Meruidae+伪龙虱科Noteridae)))))。【结论】研究结果表明,豉甲科是肉食亚目水生类群的基部类群,接下来是沼梭甲科和龙虱总科;伪龙虱科和瀑甲科互为姐妹群,并一起作为龙虱总科内部的一个分支;两栖甲科与龙虱科具有更近的亲缘关系。     

The complete mitochondrial genome of the sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata, was sequenced in this study. It represents the first sequenced mitogenome of family Tingidae in Heteroptera. The mitogenome of C. ciliata is 15,257 bp and contains 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and a large non-coding region. Gene arrangement, nucleotide content, codon usage, and amino acid composition and asymmetry indicate a high degree of conservation with six other species of Cimicomorpha. The 13 PCGs initiated with ATN as the start codon and terminated with TAA, TA or T as stop codon. The evolutionary rate of each PCG was different, among which ATP8 showed the highest rate while ATP6 indicated the lowest rate. The 22 tRNAs genes apparently fold into a typical cloverleaf structure; however, the anticodon (TTC) of trnSer (AGN) differs from other Heteropteran insects. Secondary structure modeling of rRNA genes revealed similarity to other insects, except for two incomplete helices (H1648 and H2735) in lrRNA. The predicted secondary structure of lrRNA indicates 45 helices in six domains, whereas srRNA has 27 helices in three domains. Three potential stem–loops and two tandem repeats (–TCTAAT–) were identified in the A+T-rich region. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. ciliata is a sister group to other Heteroptera species based on analysis of the 13 PCGs.     

The mitochondrial genome of red-necked phalarope <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalaropus lobatus</Emphasis> (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae) and phylogeny analysis among Scolopacidae

The red-necked phalarope is a wonderful species with specific morphological characters and lifestyles. Mitochondrial genomes, encoding necessary proteins involved in the system of energy metabolism, are important for the evolution and adaption of species. In this study, we determined the complete mitogenome sequence of Phalaropus lobatus (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae). The circular genome is 16714 bp in size, containing 13 PCGs, two ribosomal RNAs and 22 tRNAs and a high AT-rich control region. The AT skew and GC skew of major strand is positive and negative respectively. Most of PCGs are biased towards A-rich except ND1. A codon usage analysis shows that 3 start codons (ATG, GTG and ATA), 4 stop codons (TAA, TAG, AGG, AGA) and two incomplete terminate codons (T–). Twenty two transfer RNAs have the typical cloverleaf structure, and a total of ten base pairs are mismatched throughout the nine tRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree based on 13 PCGs and 2 rRNA genes indicates that monophyly of the family and genus Phalaropus is close to genus Xenus plus Tringa. The analysis of selective pressure shows 13 protein-coding genes are evolving under the purifying selection and P. lobatus is different from other Scolopacidae species on the selective pressure of gene ND4. This study helps us know the inherent mechanism of mitochondrial structure and natural selection.     

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Beet Webworm,Spoladea recurvalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Its Phylogenetic Implications

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the beet webworm, Spoladea recurvalis has been sequenced. The circular genome is 15,273 bp in size, encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes and containing a control region with gene order and orientation identical to that of other ditrysian lepidopteran mitogenomes. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome shows a high A+T content of 80.9%, and the AT skewness is slightly negative (-0.023). All PCGs start with the typical ATN codons, except for COX1, which may start with the CGA codon. Nine of 13 PCGs have the common stop codon TAA; however, COX1, COX2 and ND5 utilize the T nucleotide and ND4 utilizes TA nucleotides as incomplete termination codons. All tRNAs genes are folded into the typical cloverleaf structure of mitochondrial tRNAs, except for the tRNA^Ser(AGY) gene, in which the DHU arm fails to form a stable stem-loop structure. A total of 157 bp intergenic spacers are scattered in 17 regions. The overlapping sequences are 42 bp in total and found in eight different locations. The 329 bp AT-rich region is comprised of non-repetitive sequences, including the motif ATAG, which is followed by a 14 bp poly-T stretch, a (AT₁₁ microsatellite-like repeat, which is adjacent to the motif ATTTA, and a 9 bp poly-A, which is immediately upstream from the tRNA^Met gene. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 13 PCGs and 13 PCGs+2 rRNAs using Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood methods, show that the classification position of Pyraloidea is inconsistent with the traditional classification. Hesperioidea is placed within the Papilionoidea rather than as a sister group to it. The Pyraloidea is placed within the Macrolepidoptera with other superfamilies instead of the Papilionoidea.     

土蜂科线粒体基因组序列测定和分析

【目的】本研究旨在通过针尾部(Aculeata)昆虫线粒体基因组系统发育分析认知土蜂科(Scoliidae)的单系性及系统发育位置。【方法】利用Illumina Hiseq2500二代测序技术测序土蜂科3属5种的线粒体基因组,并进行注释和分析;基于针尾部昆虫36个线粒体基因组13个蛋白质编码基因(protein-coding genes, PCGs)和2个rRNA基因序列采用最大似然法(maximum likelihood, ML)和贝叶斯法(Bayesian inference, BI)法构建系统发育树。【结果】新测序的土蜂科5个线粒体基因组为五带波壁土蜂Colpa quinquecincta线粒体基因组(GenBank登录号：OM103696),齿石波壁土蜂Colpa tartara线粒体基因组(GenBank登录号：OM103697),厚大长腹土蜂Megacampsomeris grossa线粒体基因组(GenBank登录号：OM103796),台湾大长腹土蜂Megacampsomeris formosensis线粒体基因组(GenBank登录号：OM142776)和斯式土蜂Sc...     

两种毛蚜线粒体基因组比较分析

【目的】线粒体基因组分析已被应用于昆虫系统发育研究。本研究以蚜科Aphididae重要类群毛蚜亚科物种为代表,测定并比较分析了该类蚜虫的线粒体基因组特征,探讨了基于线粒体基因组信息的蚜虫系统发育关系重建。【方法】以毛蚜亚科三角枫多态毛蚜Periphyllus acerihabitans Zhang和针茅小毛蚜Chaetosiphella stipae Hille Ris Lambers,1947为研究对象,利用长短PCR相结合的方法测定线粒体基因组的序列,分析了基因组的基本特征;基于在线t RNAscan-SE Search Server搜索方法预测了t RNA的二级结构;基于12个物种(本研究获得的2个物种和10个Gen Bank上下载的物种数据)的蛋白编码基因(PCGs)序列,利用最大似然法和贝叶斯法重建了蚜科的系统发育关系。【结果】两种毛蚜均获得了约94%的线粒体基因组数据,P.acerihabitans获得了14 908 bp,控制区为1 205 bp;C.stipae获得了13 893 bp,控制区为609 bp。两种毛蚜同时获得33个基因,包含接近完整的13个蛋白编码基因(PCGs)(nad5不完整),18个tRNA,2个rRNA基因;ka/ks值表明,C.stipae的进化速率更快。从基因组组成、基因排列顺序、核苷酸组成分析、密码子使用情况、t RNA二级结构等特征来分析,两种蚜虫线粒体基因组基本特征相似。系统发育重建结果表明毛蚜亚科、蚜亚科的单系性得到了支持,毛蚜亚科位于蚜科的基部位置。【结论】两种毛蚜线粒体基因组的基本特征相似,符合蚜虫线粒体基因组的一般特征,两种线粒体基因组的长度差异主要来自控制区长度的不同;系统发育重建支持毛蚜亚科与蚜亚科的单系性,毛蚜亚科位于蚜科较为基部的位置。研究结果为蚜虫类系统发育重建提供了参考。     

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Stalk-Eyed Bug Chauliops fallax Scott,and the Monophyly of Malcidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

Chauliops fallax Scott, 1874 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Malcidae: Chauliopinae) is one of the most destructive insect pests of soybean and rice fields in Asia. Here we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of this pest. This genome is 15,739 bp long, with an A+T content of 73.7%, containing 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and a control region. All genes were arranged in the same order as most of other Heteroptera. A remarkable strand bias was found for all nine protein coding genes (PCGs) encoded by the majority strand were positive AT-skew and negative GC-skew, whereas the reverse were found in the remaining four PCGs encoded by the minority strand and two rRNA genes. The models of secondary structures for the two rRNA genes of sequenced true bugs and Lygaeoidea were predicted. 16S rRNA consisted of six domains (domain III is absent as in other known arthropod mitochondrial genomes) and 45 helices, while three domains and 27 helices for 12S rRNA. The control region consists of five subregions: a microsatellite-like region, a tandem repeats region and other three motifs. The unusual intergenic spacer between tRNA-H and ND4 only found in the species of Lygaeoidea, not in other heteropteran species, may be the synapomorphy of this superfamily. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on all the 13 PCGs showed that Chauliopinae was the sister group of Malcinae and the monophyly of Lygaeoidea.     

Defense mechanisms against herbivory in Picea: sequence evolution and expression regulation of gene family members in the phenylpropanoid pathway

Background

The insect order Neuroptera encompasses more than 5,700 described species. To date, only three neuropteran mitochondrial genomes have been fully and one partly sequenced. Current knowledge on neuropteran mitochondrial genomes is limited, and new data are strongly required. In the present work, the mitochondrial genome of the ascalaphid owlfly Libelloides macaronius is described and compared with the known neuropterid mitochondrial genomes: Megaloptera, Neuroptera and Raphidioptera. These analyses are further extended to other endopterygotan orders.

Results

The mitochondrial genome of L. macaronius is a circular molecule 15,890 bp long. It includes the entire set of 37 genes usually present in animal mitochondrial genomes. The gene order of this newly sequenced genome is unique among Neuroptera and differs from the ancestral type of insects in the translocation of trnC. The L. macaronius genome shows the lowest A+T content (74.50%) among known neuropterid genomes. Protein-coding genes possess the typical mitochondrial start codons, except for cox1, which has an unusual ACG. Comparisons among endopterygotan mitochondrial genomes showed that A+T content and AT/GC-skews exhibit a broad range of variation among 84 analyzed taxa. Comparative analyses showed that neuropterid mitochondrial protein-coding genes experienced complex evolutionary histories, involving features ranging from codon usage to rate of substitution, that make them potential markers for population genetics/phylogenetics studies at different taxonomic ranks. The 22 tRNAs show variable substitution patterns in Neuropterida, with higher sequence conservation in genes located on the α strand. Inferred secondary structures for neuropterid rrnS and rrnL genes largely agree with those known for other insects. For the first time, a model is provided for domain I of an insect rrnL. The control region in Neuropterida, as in other insects, is fast-evolving genomic region, characterized by AT-rich motifs.

Conclusions

The new genome shares many features with known neuropteran genomes but differs in its low A+T content. Comparative analysis of neuropterid mitochondrial genes showed that they experienced distinct evolutionary patterns. Both tRNA families and ribosomal RNAs show composite substitution pathways. The neuropterid mitochondrial genome is characterized by a complex evolutionary history.     

Comparison of base composition and codon usage in insect mitochondrial genomes

Insects, the most biodiverse taxonomic group, have high AT content in their mitochondrial genomes. Although codon usage tends to be AT-rich, base composition and codon usage of mitochondrial genomes may vary among taxa. Thus, we compare base composition and codon usage patterns of 49 insect mitochondrial genomes. For protein coding genes, AT content is as high as 80% in the Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera and as low as 72% in the Orthopotera. The AT content is high at positions 1 and 3, but A content is low at position 2. A close correlation occurs between codon usage and tRNA abundance in nuclear genomes. Optimal codons can pair well with the antr codons of the most abundant tRNAs. One tRNA gene translates a synonymous codon family in vertebrate mitochondrial genomes and these tRNA anticodons can pair with optimal codons. However, optimal codons cannot pair with anticodons in mtDNA ofCochiiomyia hominivorax (Dipteral: CaLliphoridae). Ten optimal codons cannot pair with tRNA anticodons in all 49 insect mitochondrial genomes; non-optimal codon-anticodon usage is common and codon usage is not influenced by tRNA abundance.     

Complete mitochondrial genome of the boreal digging frog Kaloula borealis (Anura, Microhylidae)

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome from the boreal digging frog Kaloula borealis. The genome sequence was 17,173 bp in size, and the gene order and contents were identical to those of previously reported amphibian mitochondrial genomes. Of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 5 genes (CO2, ATPase 6, CO3, ND3, and ND4) had incomplete stop codons. Also ND1 gene used GTG as a start codon, while CO1 and ND5 genes used AGG as a stop codon. The base composition of K. borealis mitogenome showed a strong anti-G bias (6.11%) on the 3rd position of PCGs.     

Assembly and annotation of full mitochondrial genomes for the corn rootworm species, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and Diabroticabarberi (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), using Next Generation Sequence data

Complete mitochondrial genomes for two corn rootworm species, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (16,747 bp) and Diabrotica barberi (16,632; Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), were assembled from Illumina HiSeq2000 read data. Annotation indicated that the order and orientation of 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), and 22 tRNA and 2 rRNA sequences were in typical of insect mitochondrial genomes. Non-standard nad4 and cox3 stop codons were composed of single T nucleotides and likely completed by adenylation, and atypical TTT start codons was predicted for both D. v. virgifera and D. barberinad1 genes. The D. v. virgifera and D. barberi haplotypes showed 819 variable nucleotide positions within PCG regions (7.36% divergence), which suggest that speciation may have occurred ~ 3.68 million years ago assuming a linear rate of short-term substitution. Phylogenetic analyses of Coleopteran MtD genome show clustering based on family level, and may have the capacity to resolve the evolutionary history within this Order of insects.     

The mitochondrial genomes of the human hookworms, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (Nematoda: Secernentea).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequences were determined for two species of human hookworms, Ancylostoma duodenale (13,721 bp) and Necator americanus (13,604 bp). The circular hookworm genomes are amongst the smallest reported to date for any metazoan organism. Their relatively small size relates mainly to a reduced length in the AT-rich region. Both hookworm genomes encode 12 protein, two ribosomal RNA and 22 transfer RNA genes, but lack the ATP synthetase subunit 8 gene, which is consistent with three other species of Secernentea studied to date. All genes are transcribed in the same direction and have a nucleotide composition high in A and T, but low in G and C. The AT bias had a significant effect on both the codon usage pattern and amino acid composition of proteins. For both hookworm species, genes were arranged in the same order as for Caenorhabditis elegans, except for the presence of a non-coding region between genes nad3 and nad5. In A. duodenale, this non-coding region is predicted to form a stem-and-loop structure which is not present in N. americanus. The mitochondrial genome structure for both hookworms differs from Ascaris suum only in the location of the AT-rich region, whereas there are substantial differences when compared with Onchocerca volvulus, including four gene or gene-block translocations and the positions of some transfer RNA genes and the AT-rich region. Based on genome organisation and amino acid sequence identity, A. duodenale and N. americanus were more closely related to C. elegans than to A. suum or O. volvulus (all secernentean nematodes), consistent with a previous phylogenetic study using ribosomal DNA sequence data. Determination of the complete mitochondrial genome sequences for two human hookworms (the first members of the order Strongylida ever sequenced) provides a foundation for studying the systematics, population genetics and ecology of these and other nematodes of socio-economic importance.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of Eriocheir japonica sinensis (Decapoda: Varunidae) and its phylogenetic analysis

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) can provide novel insights into understanding the mechanisms underlying mitogenome evolution. In this study, the complete mitogenome of Eriocheir japonica sinensis (Decapoda: Varunidae) was determined to be 16,378 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a D-loop region. The AT skew of the E. j. sinensis mitogenome was slightly negative (−0.016), indicating a higher number of T compared with A nucleotides. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was also biased toward A + T nucleotides (71.6%). All PCGs were initiated by ATN codons. Eight of the 13 PCGs harbored the incomplete termination codon by T, or TA. All other tRNA genes displayed a typical clover-leaf structure of mitochondrial tRNA. The D-loop region of the E. j. sinensis mitogenome was 918 bp in length. Based on 13 PCGs, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of E. j. sinensis within the Varunidae.     

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Antarctic amphipod Gondogeneia antarctica (Crustacea, amphipod)

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the Antarctic amphipod Gondogeneia antarctica was determined to be 18,424 bp in length, and to contain 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and large (rrnL) and small (rrnS) rRNA genes. Its total A+T content is 70.1%. The G. antarctica mitogenome is the largest known among those of crustaceans, due to the existence of two relatively large intergenic non-coding sequences. The PCG arrangement of G. antarctica is identical to that of the ancestral pancrustacean ground pattern, although the tRNA arrangement differs somewhat. The complete mitogenome sequences of 68 species of pancrustacea have been added to the NCBI database, only 4 of which represent complete mitogenome sequences from amphipods. This is the first report of a mitogenome sequence of an Antarctic amphipod, and provides insights into the evolution of crustacean mitochondrial genomes, particularly in amphipods.     

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Teinopalpus aureus guangxiensis (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and related phylogenetic analyses

In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Teinopalpus aureus guangxiensis (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), which is considered as an endemic species in China. It is listed as a vulnerable species by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List and also a first class endangered species in China. The complete mtDNA from T. aureus guangxiensis was 15,235 base pairs in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. The T. aureus guangxiensis genes were in the same order and orientation as the completely sequenced mitogenomes of other lepidopteran species. All PCGs of T. aureus guangxiensis mitogenome start with a typical ATN codon and terminate in the common stop codon TAA, except that ND1 gene uses TTA, ND3 gene uses ATT, and ND4 and ND4L gene use TAA. The phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed with the concatenated sequences of the 13 PCGs of the mitochondrial genome, and phylogenetic results confirmed that Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae are monophyletic clades.     

The first mitochondrial genome for Brahmin moths (Brahmaeidae) and implications for the higher phylogeny of Bombycoidea

Bombycoidea comprises 10 families and 4723 species, and the phylogenetic relationships among families are still in debate. In this study, we have determined the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Brahmaea porphyria. The 15,429-bp mitogenome contains a common set of 37 mitochondrial genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and an inferred control region, and shares the conserved gene rearrangement (trnM-trnI-trnQ) in most ditrysian mitogenomes. Moreover, we analysed the secondary structure for all the tRNA genes of B. porphyria and the preference of codon usage in the PCGs of B. porphyria. The putative 373-bp control region (CR) possesses three types of conserved elements, including ATAGA, Ploy-T stretch, and microsatellite-like elements. A phylogenetic analysis among available Bombycoidea mitogenomes using the concatenated 37 mitochondrial genes appears to support the hypothesis of (Sphingidae+Bombycidae)+Saturniidae and the relatively basal phylogenetic position of Brahmaeidae within Bombycoidea.     

Mitochondrial genomes of five Hyphessobrycon tetras and their phylogenetic implications

To date, the taxonomic status and phylogenetic affinities within Hyphessobrycon, even among other genera in Characidae, remain unclear. Here, we determined five new mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Hyphessobrycon species (H. elachys, H. flammeus, H. pulchripinnis, H. roseus, and H. sweglesi). The mitogenomes were all classical circular structures, with lengths ranging from 16,008 to 17,224 bp. The type of constitutive genes and direction of the coding strand that appeared in the mitogenomes were identical to those of other species in Characidae. The highest value of the Ka/Ks ratio within 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs) was found in ND2 with 0.83, suggesting that they were subject to purifying selection in the Hyphessobrycon genus. Comparison of the control region sequences among seven Hyphessobrycon fish revealed that repeat units differ in length and copy number across different species, which led to sharp differences in mitogenome sizes. Phylogenetic trees based on the 13 PCGs did not support taxonomic relationships, as the Hyphessobrycon fish mixed with those from other genera. These data were combined to explore higher level relationships within Characidae and could aid in the understanding of the evolution of this group.     

Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the giant dobsonfly Acanthacorydalis orientalis(McLachlan)(Insecta:Megaloptera:Corydalidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of Acanthacorydalis orientalis(McLachlan)was determined and analyzed(GenBank accession number:KF840564).This paper represents the first mitochondrial(mt) genome of the dobsonfly genus Acanthacorydalis.The mt genome is a typical circular DNA of 15 753 bp composed of 37 genes with an A+T content of 76.7%.It has an ancestral gene arrangement of the insect mt genomes.Eleven of the 13 PCGs start with codon ATT and ATG,while several exceptions such as ATA and TTG respectively for atpS and nad\ are also present.Five protein-coding genes end with a single T,while others have a termination codon of TAA or TAG.Most tRNAs are folded into the typical clover-leaf structure except for the trnS 1 whose dihydrouridine arm was a simple loop.The secondary structure of rrnl consists of five structural domains and 50 helices,while the rrns includes three domains and 34 helices.The control region has a stretches of Ts with a length of 22 bp but lacks obvious tandem repeat region.Both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood(ML) analyses,based on all 13 protein-coding genes and two rRNA genes of the mt genomes,confirm the monophyly of Corydalinae and suggest that Acanthacorydalis,together with Corydalus,which is an endemic dobsonfly genus from the New World,belong to a monophyletic lineage.     

Comparative mitochondrial genomics and phylogenetics among species of the Oriental dobsonfly genus Neoneuromus van der Weele, 1909 (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)

The dobsonfly genus Neoneuromus van der Weele, 1909 represents one of the megalopteran lineages with large body-size, and comprises 13 species all endemic to the Oriental region. In the present study, the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of 12 species of this genus were determined and analyzed for the first time. The mitogenome of the genus-type, Neoneuromus fenestralis (McLachlan, 1869), as a representative of these congeneric species, is herein described in detail. All of the mitogenomes of Neoneuromus are composed of 37 encoded genes and a control region. The evolutionary rates of the protein coding genes (PCGs) of the 13 species of Neoneuromus as well as different genera of Corydalinae are estimated. All the transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) have the typical clover-leaf secondary structure except trnS1 (AGN). Interspecific relationships within Neoneuromus were reconstructed based on different datasets generated from mitogenomic sequences. Our results indicate that tRNA and ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) of Neoneuromus species contribute phylogenetic signal when being concatenated with the PCGs, thus should be kept during phylogenetic analysis. The results sheds light on understanding the evolution of these aquatic and predatory insects.