Mitochondrial Genome Characteristics and Phylogenetic Analysis of Yunnan Bombyx mandarina

PurposeTo clarify the evolutional status of Bombyx mandarina resources in Yunnan, providing genetic background information and theoretical basis for the utilization and effective protection of Yunnan B. mandarina resources.

MethodsThe mtDNA of B. mandarina in Yunnan was sequenced, and the phylogenetic analysis was carried out with the reported mtDNA of Lepidoptera insects.

ResultsThe mtDNA of B. mandarina in Yunnan was 15 688 bp in length, including 33 genes and one A+T rich region, seven gene overlapping regions and 21 gene spacer regions, with various degrees of insertion and deletion existing in different gene fragments. It had the typical gene organization and order of mitogenomes from Lepidopteran insects, and the content of A+T was 81.40%. The AT skew was positive in this mitogenome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Yunnan B. mandarina had been more closely related to B. mori and Chinese B. mandarina.

ConclusionYunnan B. mandarina originates from B. mandarina in northern China.