Characterization of complete mitochondrial genome of the common tiger, Danaus genutia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) and phylogenetic implications within the subfamily Danainae.

Nymphalidae is the most diverse butterfly family worldwide, with more than 6000 species, whereas the mitogenomic data of nymphalid species, especially the subfamily Danainae, is still lacking for more comprehensive systematic studies. To this contribution, the complete mitogenome of Danaus genutia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) was determined via sequencing and annotating. The mitogenome in total consists of 15,255 base pairs (bp), containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and a 440-bp noncoding A+T-rich region. Furthermore, phylogeny of the subfamily Danainae was reconstructed applying maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference on the basis of the mitogenomic data sets. Combined with our analysis and previous studies, the genus-level phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily Danainae are ((Tirumala + Danaus) + ((Idea + Euploea) + (Ideopsis + Parantica))). This study offers molecular information and provides a new perspective for phylogenetic research within the subfamily Danainae.

Structural features and phylogenetic implications of four new mitogenomes of Centrotinae (Hemiptera: Membracidae).

To explore the variation and phylogenetic utility of mitogenomes among lineages of the diverse hemipteran superfamily Membracoidea, we sequenced four new mitogenomes of four treehopper species of the subfamily Centrotinae (Membracidae): Hypsauchenia hardwichii, Leptocentrus albolineatus, Maurya qinlingensis, and Tricentrus brunneus. The mitogenomes are 15,508 to 16,467 bp in size, and comprise the typical set of 37 mitochondrial genes and a large non-coding region (AT-rich region). Gene organization, nucleotide composition and codon usage of protein-coding genes (PCGs) are similar to those of most other sequenced Membracidae mitogenomes. All PCGs start with a typical ATN or TTG and end with TAA/G or the incomplete stop codon (a single T). All transfer RNA genes can be folded into typical clover-leaf secondary structures, except for trnS1. The location, length and AT content of the rrnS and rrnL genes are highly conserved in the Membracidae mitogenomes. In contrast, the AT-rich control region is highly variable in length and in numbers of tandem repeats present. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequence data of 13 PCGs from 59 species of Membracoidea and four outgroups (Cercopoidea and Cicadoidea species) recovered Membracoidea as monophyletic with strong support, and Cicadellidae as paraphyletic with respect to Aetalionidae + Membracidae, in agreement with previous analyses. Relationships among membracoid subfamilies were also in general agreement with results from prior studies. The monophyly of Centrotinae is strongly supported, with relationships among tribes recovered as ((Centrotini+ (Tricentrini + Antialcidini)) + ((Leptobelini + Hypsauchenini) + Leptocentrini).

Two new species of Entomobryidae (Collembola) of Taibai Mountain from China.

Taibai Mountain is the highest peak of Qinling Mountain Ridge, a climate and geographical demarcation of the southern and northern China. Collembolan species of family Entomobryidae are reported from this region for the first time in this paper. Two new species, Homidia taibaiensis sp. n. and Sinella triseta sp. n. of Entomobryinae are described. Illustrations and differences with similar species are provided.