Characterization of the mitochondrial genome of a high royal jelly-producing honeybee strain (Apis mellifera ligustica)

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of a high royal jelly-producing honeybee strain selected from Italian bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) in China was determined. The entire mitogenome was 16,467 bp in length with an A + T content of 84.99%. It contained the typical 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The order and orientation of these genes were identical to those of other A. mellifera subspecies sequenced to date. Phylogenetic analysis supported that the high royal jelly-producing honeybee strain was sister to formerly sequenced Italian bees.