Genes

Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the “Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects” Special Issue

by Zhiteng Chen

Genes 2024, 15(8), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081000 - 30 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

The rapid advancement of sequencing technologies has revolutionized our understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of insects, enabling researchers to generate extensive molecular data with unprecedented detail [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

20 pages, 8096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Prediction of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs Associated with Detoxification Pathways in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda

by Yan-Ping Wang, Xing-Yu Chen, De-Qiang Pu, Chun-Yan Yi, Chang-Hua Liu, Cui-Cui Zhang, Zhen-Zhen Wei, Jing-Wei Guo, Wen-Juan Yu, Song Chen and Hong-Ling Liu

Genes 2024, 15(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081021 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda poses a severe threat to crops, causing substantial economic losses. The increased use of chemical pesticides has led to resistance in S. frugiperda populations. Micro ribonucleic acids (MicroRNAs or miRNAs) are pivotal in insect growth and development. This study aims to [...] Read more.

Spodoptera frugiperda poses a severe threat to crops, causing substantial economic losses. The increased use of chemical pesticides has led to resistance in S. frugiperda populations. Micro ribonucleic acids (MicroRNAs or miRNAs) are pivotal in insect growth and development. This study aims to identify miRNAs across different developmental stages of S. frugiperda to explore differential expression and predict target gene functions. High-throughput sequencing of miRNAs was conducted on eggs, 3rd instar larvae, pupae, and adults. Bioinformatics analyses identified differentially expressed miRNAs specifically in larvae, with candidate miRNAs screened to predict target genes, particularly those involved in detoxification pathways. A total of 184 known miRNAs and 209 novel miRNAs were identified across stages. Comparative analysis revealed 54, 15, and 18 miRNAs differentially expressed in larvae, compared to egg, pupa, and adult stages, respectively. Eight miRNAs showed significant differential expression across stages, validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses predicted target genes’ functions, identifying eight differentially expressed miRNAs targeting 10 gene families associated with detoxification metabolism, including P450s, glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and sodium channels. These findings elucidate the species-specific miRNA profiles and regulatory mechanisms of detoxification-related genes in S. frugiperda larvae, offering insights and strategies for effectively managing this pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sequencing and Description of the Mitochondrial Genome of Orthopodomyia fascipes (Diptera: Culicidae)

by Fábio Silva da Silva, Bruna Laís Sena do Nascimento, Ana Cecília Ribeiro Cruz, Sandro Patroca da Silva, Carine Fortes Aragão, Daniel Damous Dias, Lucas Henrique da Silva e Silva, Lúcia Aline Moura Reis, Hanna Carolina Farias Reis, Liliane Leal das Chagas, José Wilson Rosa Jr., Durval Bertram Rodrigues Vieira, Roberto Carlos Feitosa Brandão, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros and Joaquim Pinto Nunes Neto

Genes 2024, 15(7), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15070874 - 3 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1626

Abstract

The genus Orthopodomyia Theobald, 1904 (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises 36 wild mosquito species, with distribution largely restricted to tropical and temperate areas, most of which are not recognized as vectors of epidemiological importance due to the lack of information related to their bionomy and [...] Read more.

The genus Orthopodomyia Theobald, 1904 (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises 36 wild mosquito species, with distribution largely restricted to tropical and temperate areas, most of which are not recognized as vectors of epidemiological importance due to the lack of information related to their bionomy and involvement in the cycle transmission of infectious agents. Furthermore, their evolutionary relationships are not completely understood, reflecting the scarcity of genetic information about the genus. Therefore, in this study, we report the first complete description of the mitochondrial genome of a Neotropical species representing the genus, Orthopodomyia fascipes Coquillet, 1906, collected in the Brazilian Amazon region. Using High Throughput Sequencing, we obtained a mitochondrial sequence of 15,598 bp, with an average coverage of 418.5×, comprising 37 functional subunits and a final portion rich in A + T, corresponding to the control region. The phylogenetic analysis, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference based on the 13 protein-coding genes, corroborated the monophyly of Culicidae and its two subfamilies, supporting the proximity between the tribes Orthopodomyiini and Mansoniini, partially disagreeing with previous studies based on the use of molecular and morphological markers. The information generated in this study contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomy and evolutionary history of the genus and other groups of Culicidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The First Three Mitochondrial Genomes for the Characterization of the Genus Egeirotrioza (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and Phylogenetic Implications

by Zhulidezi Aishan, Ze-Lu Mu, Zi-Cong Li, Xin-Yu Luo and Ning Huangfu

Genes 2024, 15(7), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15070842 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1502

Abstract

(1) Background: Mitochondrial genomes are important markers for the study of phylogenetics and systematics. Triozidae includes some primary pests of Populus euphratica. The phylogenetic relationships of this group remain controversial due to the lack of molecular data. (2) Methods: Mitochondria of Egeirotrioza [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Mitochondrial genomes are important markers for the study of phylogenetics and systematics. Triozidae includes some primary pests of Populus euphratica. The phylogenetic relationships of this group remain controversial due to the lack of molecular data. (2) Methods: Mitochondria of Egeirotrioza Boselli were sequenced and assembled. We analyzed the sequence length, nucleotide composition, and evolutionary rate of Triozidae, combined with the 13 published mitochondrial genomes. (3) Results: The evolutionary rate of protein-coding genes was as follows: ATP8 > ND6 > ND5 > ND2 > ND4 > ND4L > ND1 > ND3 > APT6 > CYTB > COX3 > COX2 > COX1. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of Triozidae based on 16 triozid mitochondrial genomes (thirteen ingroups and three outgroups) using the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) approaches. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16 Triozidae mitochondrial genomes showed that Egeirotrioza was closely related to Leptynoptera. (4) Conclusions: We have identified 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 1 control region (CR) of all newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes, which were the mitochondrial gene type in animals. The results of this study provide valuable genomic information for the study of psyllid species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 12764 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Transcriptomic Assessment of Chemosensory Genes in Adult and Larval Olfactory Organs of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis

by Hai-Tao Du, Jia-Qi Lu, Kun Ji, Chu-Chu Wang, Zhi-Chao Yao, Fang Liu and Yao Li

Genes 2023, 14(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14122165 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

The rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a notorious pest of rice in Asia. The larvae and adults of C. medinalis utilize specialized chemosensory systems to adapt to different environmental odors and physiological behaviors. However, the differences in chemosensory genes between [...] Read more.

The rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a notorious pest of rice in Asia. The larvae and adults of C. medinalis utilize specialized chemosensory systems to adapt to different environmental odors and physiological behaviors. However, the differences in chemosensory genes between the olfactory organs of these two different developmental stages remain unclear. Here, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of larvae heads, male antennae, and female antennae in C. medinalis and identified 131 putative chemosensory genes, including 32 OBPs (8 novel OBPs), 23 CSPs (2 novel CSPs), 55 ORs (17 novel ORs), 19 IRs (5 novel IRs) and 2 SNMPs. Comparisons between larvae and adults of C. medinalis by transcriptome and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the number and expression of chemosensory genes in larval heads were less than that of adult antennae. Only 17 chemosensory genes (7 OBPs and 10 CSPs) were specifically or preferentially expressed in the larval heads, while a total of 101 chemosensory genes (21 OBPs, 9 CSPs, 51 ORs, 18 IRs, and 2 SNMPs) were specifically or preferentially expressed in adult antennae. Our study found differences in chemosensory gene expression between larvae and adults, suggesting their specialized functions at different developmental stages of C. medinalis. These results provide a theoretical basis for screening chemosensory genes as potential molecular targets and developing novel management strategies to control C. medinalis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 19204 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Genetic Diversity of White-Backed Planthoppers (Sogatella furcifera) between Myanmar and Yunnan Province of China

by Yue Liu, Khin Nyein Chan, Xiangyong Li, Xueqing Zhao, Dong Chu, Yanqiong Yin, Ying Liu and Aidong Chen

Genes 2023, 14(12), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14122164 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1654

Abstract

In order to clarify the migration route and the source of white-backed planthopper (WBPH) (Sogatella furcifera) between Myanmar and Yunnan Province, China, we collected six populations throughout Myanmar and five populations around the border areas in Yunnan Province, China. A total [...] Read more.

In order to clarify the migration route and the source of white-backed planthopper (WBPH) (Sogatella furcifera) between Myanmar and Yunnan Province, China, we collected six populations throughout Myanmar and five populations around the border areas in Yunnan Province, China. A total of 790 base pairs in the mtDNA COI genes from 416 individuals were obtained. A total of 43 haplotypes were identified, among which 37 were unique haplotypes, and the remaining 6 were shared among different populations. Two common shared haplotypes (H_1 and H_2) had a widespread distribution in all populations and accounted for 88.8% of the total haplotype frequency, suggesting a high-level gene flow among the Myanmar and Yunnan populations. Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis results indicated that the effective population size of WBPH expanded between about 10,000 and 7000 years ago, and S. furcifera might follow the post-LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) expansion pattern. Based on the total migrant (N_em) value, it can be deduced that north and northeast Myanmar were the primary migration sources for WBPH populations in the southwest and south Yunnan regions. This study aims to contribute to the sustainable regional management of this important rice pest and provide new insights into the genetic diversity of WBPH in Southeast Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 12012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Mitogenomic Analyses of Darkling Beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Provide Evolutionary Insights into tRNA-like Sequences

by Su-Hao Wang, Shi-Yun Hu, Min Li, Min Liu, Hao Sun, Jia-Rui Zhao, Wen-Ting Chen and Ming-Long Yuan

Genes 2023, 14(9), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14091738 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Tenebrionidae is widely recognized owing to its species diversity and economic importance. Here, we determined the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three Tenebrionidae species (Melanesthes exilidentata, Anatolica potanini, and Myladina unguiculina) and performed a comparative mitogenomic analysis to characterize the [...] Read more.

Tenebrionidae is widely recognized owing to its species diversity and economic importance. Here, we determined the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three Tenebrionidae species (Melanesthes exilidentata, Anatolica potanini, and Myladina unguiculina) and performed a comparative mitogenomic analysis to characterize the evolutionary characteristics of the family. The tenebrionid mitogenomes were highly conserved with respect to genome size, gene arrangement, base composition, and codon usage. All protein-coding genes evolved under purifying selection. The largest non-coding region (i.e., control region) showed several unusual features, including several conserved repetitive fragments (e.g., A+T-rich regions, G+C-rich regions, Poly-T tracts, TATA repeat units, and longer repetitive fragments) and tRNA-like structures. These tRNA-like structures can bind to the appropriate anticodon to form a cloverleaf structure, although base-pairing is not complete. We summarized the quantity, types, and conservation of tRNA-like sequences and performed functional and evolutionary analyses of tRNA-like sequences with various anticodons. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitogenomic datasets and two tree inference methods largely supported the monophyly of each of the three subfamilies (Stenochiinae, Pimeliinae, and Lagriinae), whereas both Tenebrioninae and Diaperinae were consistently recovered as polyphyletic. We obtained a tenebrionid mitogenomic phylogeny: (Lagriinae, (Pimeliinae, ((Tenebrioninae + Diaperinae), Stenochiinae))). Our results provide insights into the evolution and function of tRNA-like sequences in tenebrionid mitogenomes and contribute to our general understanding of the evolution of Tenebrionidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Transmission Patterns of the Endosymbiont Wolbachia within the Hawaiian Drosophilidae Adaptive Radiation

by Renée L. Corpuz, M. Renee Bellinger, Anne Veillet, Karl N. Magnacca and Donald K. Price

Genes 2023, 14(8), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14081545 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1912

Abstract

The evolution of endosymbionts and their hosts can lead to highly dynamic interactions with varying fitness effects for both the endosymbiont and host species. Wolbachia, a ubiquitous endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes, can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on host fitness. [...] Read more.

The evolution of endosymbionts and their hosts can lead to highly dynamic interactions with varying fitness effects for both the endosymbiont and host species. Wolbachia, a ubiquitous endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes, can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on host fitness. We documented the occurrence and patterns of transmission of Wolbachia within the Hawaiian Drosophilidae and examined the potential contributions of Wolbachia to the rapid diversification of their hosts. Screens for Wolbachia infections across a minimum of 140 species of Hawaiian Drosophila and Scaptomyza revealed species-level infections of 20.0%, and across all 399 samples, a general infection rate of 10.3%. Among the 44 Wolbachia strains we identified using a modified Wolbachia multi-locus strain typing scheme, 30 (68.18%) belonged to supergroup B, five (11.36%) belonged to supergroup A, and nine (20.45%) had alleles with conflicting supergroup assignments. Co-phylogenetic reconciliation analysis indicated that Wolbachia strain diversity within their endemic Hawaiian Drosophilidae hosts can be explained by vertical (e.g., co-speciation) and horizontal (e.g., host switch) modes of transmission. Results from stochastic character trait mapping suggest that horizontal transmission is associated with the preferred oviposition substrate of the host, but not the host’s plant family or island of occurrence. For Hawaiian Drosophilid species of conservation concern, with 13 species listed as endangered and 1 listed as threatened, knowledge of Wolbachia strain types, infection status, and potential for superinfection could assist with conservation breeding programs designed to bolster population sizes, especially when wild populations are supplemented with laboratory-reared, translocated individuals. Future research aimed at improving the understanding of the mechanisms of Wolbachia transmission in nature, their impact on the host, and their role in host species formation may shed light on the influence of Wolbachia as an evolutionary driver, especially in Hawaiian ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Piophila casei (Diptera: Piophilidae): Genome Description and Phylogenetic Implications

by Shenghui Bi, Yanfei Song, Linggao Liu, Jing Wan, Ying Zhou, Qiujin Zhu and Jianfeng Liu

Genes 2023, 14(4), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14040883 - 8 Apr 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2479

Abstract

Piophila casei is a flesh-feeding Diptera insect that adversely affects foodstuffs, such as dry-cured ham and cheese, and decaying human and animal carcasses. However, the unknown mitochondrial genome of P. casei can provide information on its genetic structure and phylogenetic position, which is [...] Read more.

Piophila casei is a flesh-feeding Diptera insect that adversely affects foodstuffs, such as dry-cured ham and cheese, and decaying human and animal carcasses. However, the unknown mitochondrial genome of P. casei can provide information on its genetic structure and phylogenetic position, which is of great significance to the research on its prevention and control. Therefore, we sequenced, annotated, and analyzed the previously unknown complete mitochondrial genome of P. casei. The complete mt genome of P. casei is a typical circular DNA, 15,785 bp in length, with a high A + T content of 76.6%. It contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 1 control region. Phylogenetic analysis of 25 Diptera species was conducted using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods, and their divergence times were inferred. The comparison of the mt genomes from two morphologically similar insects P. casei and Piophila megastigmata indicates a divergence time of 7.28 MYA between these species. The study provides a reference for understanding the forensic medicine, taxonomy, and genetics of P. casei. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of a Flea Beetle Luperomorpha xanthodera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) and Phylogenetic Analysis

by Jingjing Li, Bin Yan, Hongli He, Xiaoli Xu, Yongying Ruan and Maofa Yang

Genes 2023, 14(2), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14020414 - 4 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Luperomorpha xanthodera was assembled and annotated, which is a circular DNA molecule including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 1388 bp non-coding regions [...] Read more.

In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Luperomorpha xanthodera was assembled and annotated, which is a circular DNA molecule including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 1388 bp non-coding regions (A + T rich region), measuring 16,021 bp in length. The nucleotide composition of the mitochondrial genome is 41.3% adenine (A), 38.7% thymine (T), 8.4% guanine (G), and 11.6% cytosine (C). Most of the protein-coding genes presented a typical ATN start codon (ATA, ATT, ATC, ATG), except for ND1, which showed the start codon TTG. Three-quarters of the protein-coding genes showed the complete stop codon TAR (TAA, TAG), except the genes COI, COII, ND4, and ND5, which showed incomplete stop codons (T- or TA-). All the tRNA genes have the typical clover-leaf structure, except tRNA^Ser1 (AGN), which has a missing dihydrouridine arm (DHU). The phylogenetic results determined by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods consistently supported the monophyly of the subfamily Galerucinae and revealed that the subtribe Luperina and genus Monolepta are polyphyletic groups. Meanwhile, the classification status of the genus Luperomorpha is controversial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 8970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing the Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Three Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) Harming Bamboo

by Wenli Zhu, Lin Yang, Jiankun Long, Zhimin Chang, Nian Gong, Yinlin Mu, Shasha Lv and Xiangsheng Chen

Genes 2023, 14(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14020342 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2483

Abstract

Herein, we report the mitochondrial genomic characteristics of three insect pests, Notobitus meleagris, Macropes harringtonae, and Homoeocerus bipunctatus, collected from bamboo plants in Guizhou Province, China. For the first time, the damaged conditions and life histories of M. harringtonae and H. [...] Read more.

Herein, we report the mitochondrial genomic characteristics of three insect pests, Notobitus meleagris, Macropes harringtonae, and Homoeocerus bipunctatus, collected from bamboo plants in Guizhou Province, China. For the first time, the damaged conditions and life histories of M. harringtonae and H. bipunctatus are described in detail and digital photographs of all their life stages are provided. Simultaneously, the mitochondrial genome sequences of three bamboo pests were sequenced and analyzed. Idiocerus laurifoliae and Nilaparvata lugens were used as outgroups, and the phylogenetic trees were constructed. The mitochondrial genomes of the three bamboo pests contained 37 classical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and a control region, with a total length of 16,199 bp, 15,314 bp, and 16,706 bp, respectively. The A+T values of the three bamboo pests were similar, and trnS1 was a cloverleaf structure with missing arms. The phylogenetic analyses, using the Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum likelihood (ML), supported that N. meleagris and H. bipunctatus belonged to the Coreoidea family, whereas M. harringtonae belonged to the Lygaeoidea family with high support values. This study involves the first complete sequencing of the mitochondrial genomes of two bamboo pests. By adding these newly sequenced mitochondrial genome data and detailed descriptions of life histories, the database of bamboo pests is improved. These data also provide information for the development of bamboo pest control methods by quick identification techniques and the use of detailed photographs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Adaptive Evolution in the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Revealed by the Diversity of Larval Gut Bacteria

by Yan-Ping Wang, Xu Liu, Chun-Yan Yi, Xing-Yu Chen, Chang-Hua Liu, Cui-Cui Zhang, Qing-Dong Chen, Song Chen, Hong-Ling Liu and De-Qiang Pu

Genes 2023, 14(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14020321 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2572

Abstract

Insect gut microbes have important roles in host feeding, digestion, immunity, development, and coevolution with pests. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), is a major migratory agricultural pest worldwide. The effects of host plant on the pest’s gut bacteria remain to be [...] Read more.

Insect gut microbes have important roles in host feeding, digestion, immunity, development, and coevolution with pests. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), is a major migratory agricultural pest worldwide. The effects of host plant on the pest’s gut bacteria remain to be investigated to better understand their coevolution. In this study, differences in the gut bacterial communities were examined for the fifth and sixth instar larvae of S. frugiperda fed on leaves of different host plants (corn, sorghum, highland barley, and citrus). The 16S rDNA full-length amplification and sequencing method was used to determine the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in larval intestines. The highest richness and diversity of gut bacteria were in corn-fed fifth instar larvae, whereas in sixth instar larvae, the richness and diversity were higher when larvae were fed by other crops. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla in gut bacterial communities of fifth and sixth instar larvae. According to the LDA Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis, the host plants had important effects on the structure of gut bacterial communities in S. frugiperda. In the PICRUSt2 analysis, most predicted functional categories were associated with metabolism. Thus, the host plant species attacked by S. frugiperda larvae can affect their gut bacterial communities, and such changes are likely important in the adaptive evolution of S. frugiperda to host plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Scolytoplatypodini Species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Phylogenetic Implications

by Guangyu Yu, Shengchang Lai, Song Liao, Yufeng Cao, Weijun Li, Chengpeng Long, Hagus Tarno and Jianguo Wang

Genes 2023, 14(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14010162 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of beetles in the tribe Scolytoplatypodini (genus Scolytoplatypus) were sequenced and annotated. These included Scolytoplatypus raja (15,324 bp), Scolytoplatypus sinensis (15,394 bp), Scolytoplatypus skyliuae (15,167 bp), and Scolytoplatypus wugongshanensis (15,267 bp). The four mitogenomes contained 37 typical [...] Read more.

The complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of beetles in the tribe Scolytoplatypodini (genus Scolytoplatypus) were sequenced and annotated. These included Scolytoplatypus raja (15,324 bp), Scolytoplatypus sinensis (15,394 bp), Scolytoplatypus skyliuae (15,167 bp), and Scolytoplatypus wugongshanensis (15,267 bp). The four mitogenomes contained 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). The gene orientation and arrangement of the four mitogenomes were similar to other Coleoptera mitogenomes. PCGs mostly started with ATN and terminated with TAA. The Ka/Ks ratio of 13 PCGs in the four species revealed that cox1 had the slowest evolutionary rate and atp8 and nad6 had a higher evolutionary rate. All tRNAs had typical cloverleaf secondary structures, but trnS1 lacked dihydrouridine arm. Partial tRNAs lost the discriminator nucleotide. The trnY did not possess the discriminator nucleotide and also lost three bases, showing a special amino-acyl arm. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were conducted for phylogenetic analyses using 13 PCGs. Scolytoplatypodini was clustered with Hylurgini and Hylastini, and the monophyly of Scolytoplatypodini was supported. The four newly sequenced mitogenomes increase understanding of the evolutionary relationships of Scolytoplatypodini and other Scolytinae species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Genetics, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Insects

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Editorial

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI