The complete mitochondrial genome of Danaus chrysippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae)

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Danaus chrysippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) was determined. The 15,236 bp long genome encodes 13 putative proteins, two ribosomal RNAs, 22 tRNAs and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its gene arrangement pattern is identical to most of other lepidopteran species. All protein-coding genes start with a typical ATN codon with the exception of COI gene which uses CGA as its initial codon; all PCGs terminate in the common stop TAA or TAG, except COI, COII, ND5 and ND4 which use single T as their stop codons. A total of 102 bp intergenic spacers and a total of 33 bp overlapping sequences are interspersed throughout the whole genome. The mitogenome harbors 22 txRNAs as those of most insect species and all tRNA genes evidence the typical clover leaf secondary structures with the exception of tRNA^ser (AGN) who loses its dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. The lrRNA and srRNA genes are 1339 and 783 bp, with the AT contents of 84.1 and 84.8%, respectively. The non-coding AT-rich region is 418 bp long, and contains the motif ATAGA followed by a 21-bp poly-T stretch and a microsatellite-like (AT)₉ element preceded by the ATTTA motif.

• Danainae
• Danaus chrysippus
• mitochondrial genome
• Nymphalidae

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Qun Yang for providing lab facilities for the work involved in this research.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. This study was supported by the CAS/SAFEA International Partnership Program for Creative Research Teams, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX22YW2JC104), the Opening Funds from the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 104143) and the Program for Innovative Research Team in Anhui Normal University.