The complete mitochondrial genome of the desert darkling beetle Asbolus verrucosus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genome of the desert darkling beetle Asbolus verrucosus (LeConte, 1851) was sequenced using paired-end technology to an average depth of 42,111× and assembled using De Bruijn graph-based methods. The genome is 15,828 bp in length and conforms to the basal arthropod mitochondrial gene composition with the same gene orders and orientations as other darkling beetle mitochondria. This arrangement includes a control region, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 13 protein-coding genes. The main coding strand is probably replicated as the lagging strand (GC skew of −0.36 and AT skew of +0.19). Phylogenomics analyses are consistent with taxonomic classifications and indicate that Tenebrio molitor is the closest relative that has a completely sequenced mitochondrial genome available for analysis. This is the first fully assembled mitogenome sequence for a darkling beetle in the subfamily Pimeliinae and will be useful for population studies on members of this ecologically important group of beetles.

• Death feigning beetle
• molecular ecology
• Pimeliinae
• phylogeny

Acknowledgements

My sincere appreciation goes to those who helped move this work forward through their donations of time or resources. I am particularly indebted to following individuals: Peter Clausen, Luke Dearinger, Chris Dearinger, Chris Pokalsky, Kevin Grinstead, Heather A. Hostetler, Autumn Rider, Mahala Rider, Samantha Rider, Sedeer el-Showk and Lawrence Prochaska. William Muir and Gerald Alter provided access to computational resources.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported through donations to the Blue Beetle Genome Project, a RocketHub Crowdfunding effort, and by funds from the author. Funds were administered by the Wright State University Foundation.