Identification and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

Abstract

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) provides important information for phylogenetic analysis and understanding evolutionary origins. Thaumetopoea pityocampa is a forest pest that harms nearly all cedar and pine species. In this study, the T. pityocampa mitochondrial genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The sequence length of the genome was found to be 15,737 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and an A + T-rich region compared with the genomes of other lepidopterans. The overall nucleotide composition is: 37.3% T, 40.5% A, 14.6% C, and 7.6% G, demonstrating an AT bias (A + T: 77.8%). Our phylogenetic tree analysis results showed that T. pityocampa and Ochrogaster lunifer were the most similar species, with the closest evolutionary distance. The mitogenome sequence determined in this study will contribute to improved understanding of Notodontidae evolution.