Complete mitochondrial genome of the mulberry white caterpillar Rondotia menciana (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Abstract

The mulberry white caterpillar, Rondotia menciana, belongs to the lepidopteran family Bombycidae, in which the domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori is included. In this study, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome of R. menciana in terms of general genomic features and characteristic features found in the A+T-rich region. The 15,364 bp long genome consisted of a typical set of genes (13 protein-coding genes [PCGs], 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes) and 1 major non-coding A+T-rich region, with the typical arrangement found in Lepidoptera. Twelve of the 13 PCGs started with typical ATN codons, except for the COI, which began with CGA and twelve of 13 PCGs had complete stop codons, except for the COII, which ended with a single T. The 360 bp long A+T-rich region harbored the conserved sequence blocks typically found in lepidopteran insects. Additionally, the A+T-rich region of R. menciana contained one tRNA^Met-like structure, which had a proper anticodon and secondary structure.

• A+T-rich region
• mitochondrial genome
• Rondotia menciana

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the manuscript. This research was supported by a research grant from the National Institute of Biological Resources, “Origin of Biological Diversity of Korea: Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of Major Korean Taxa” awarded to Iksoo Kim.