Athalia japonica (Klug, 1815) is a significant insect pest of turnips in Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome of this species isolated in Korea is reported in this study, which is the first attempt to study Korean Athalia species. The circular genome is 15,662 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and an A+T-rich region. Consistent with most members of the genus Athalia, five of the tRNA genes are rearranged from the typical ground pattern of ancestral insect gene order. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the nucleotide sequences of 25 mitochondrial genomes indicate that the Korean A. japonica is a distinct member of the genus Athalia. This study accumulates mitochondrial genome data of A. japonica from various countries, providing useful information on mitochondrial genetic differences across geographical distances in the East Asian region.

Nicrophorus Fabricius, 1775, commonly known as necrophagous beetle, is associated with vertebrate carrion. Up to date, the genus consists of 72 species worldwide. In recent years, various phylogenetic studies explored on the evolution and relationship of the species in the genus. However, morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies produced conflicting results, continuing the problem over whether Nicrophrous quadraticollis is monotypic or not. The present study is to report the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of N. quadraticollis that was sequenced in prior to a systematic research of Silphinae. It was 17,747bp in length and comprised 12 protein-coding genes(PCGs), 2 rRNA Genes, 22 tRNA Genes and one non-coding region. The nucleotide composition is 40.9% for A, 36.7% for T, 9.0% for G and 13.4% for C.

The blackish cicada, Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) was originally distributed mainly in the southernmost remote island, Jeju and rarely throughout low lands in South Korea, but has been explosively increased at the urban areas, where annual temperature is higher. In this study, we sequenced a partial mitochondrial COI from a total of 171 individuals collected throughout 12 localities in South Korea. The haplotype found with the highest frequency in Jeju island shares only with two inland localities in southern region with a low frequency, whereas the haplotype found with the highest frequency throughout inland localities was not found in Jeju island. These results showed that Jeju population, southern region, and other inland populations form somewhat different genetic groups.

To assess the accuracy of species delimitation in the genus Aphaenomurus Yosii, we conducted a comparative micro-morphological study and molecular analysis using two mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and two nuclear genes (18S, 28S) on 118 specimens from 24 localities. The results showed that the morphological characters of A. vicinus and A. interpositus, as presented in the original description, were intermixed in phylogenetic lineages within the genus and did not form independent lineages. Furthermore, there were enough differences among Aphaenomurus individuals to be considered as morphologically distinct species (Th. III is 1+1 or 2+2, Abd. I is 2+2 or 3+3, Abd. II is 2+2 or 3+3), but they do not form an independent lineage. Molecular and morphological analyses have determined that A. vicinus and A. interpositus are the same species, exhibiting morphological variation in dental spines formula, claws, chaetotaxy, and other features. Additionally, the genus Aphaenomurus forms a monophyletic clade, which is further divided into several lineages within the genus. No morphological differences were observed to distinguish these lineages. This cladistic divergence is attributed to heteroplasmy, which is supported by previous studies that have suggested the possibility and problems of heteroplasmy in Collembola, and by the high genetic distances between individuals in the mitochondrial genes of Aphaenomurus.

The clearwing moth, Synanthedon bicingulata (Staudinger, 1887), is a pest that infests various species of cherry trees. However, genetic information regarding the genus Synanthedon including S. bicingulata, is limited. In this study, we sequenced a complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species. The 16,255 bp of S. bicingulata mitogenome differs from the typical gene arrangement formed in Lepidoptera: trnQ-trnS2-trnM-trnI arrangement between the A+T-rich region and the ND2 junction. Moreover, the genome has untranslated repetitive sequences in the intergenic space between lrRNA and trnV, as well as the CGA start codon in COI and the TTG start codon in ATP8. Similar observations are noted in species belonging to the tribe Synanthedonini within the genus Synanthedon.

A new fumigant, carbonyl sulfide (COS), has potential for use as a replacement for methyl bromide, yet its mechanism of toxicity to insects remains poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome analysis was performed on Tribolium castaneum malpighian tubules and fat bodies, which are known to play an essential role in energy storage and utilization in insect species. In total, upon exposure to COS, 3,034 and 2,973 genes were differentially expressed in the T. castaneum malpighian tubules and fat body, respectively. These differentially expressed genes comprise a significant number of detoxification-related genes, including 105 P450s, 18 glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), 82 ABC transporters, 25 UDP-glucosyltransferases and 42 carboxylesterases and mitochondrial–related genes, including 9 complex Ⅰ genes, 2 complex Ⅱ genes, 1 complex Ⅲ gene, 9 complex IV genes, 8 complex V genes from both malpighian tubules and fat body tissues. Moreover, KEGG analysis demonstrated that the upregulated genes were enriched in xenobiotic metabolism by ABC transporters and drug metabolism by other enzymes. We also investigated the role of carbonic anhydrases (CAs) in toxicity of COS using dsRNA treatment in T. castaneum. These results show that CA genes have a key role in toxicity of the COS. Furthermore, the results of transcriptomic analysis provide new insights into the insecticidal mechanism of COS fumigation against T. castaneum and eventually contribute to the management of this important stored grain pests.

Tropilaelaps mercedesae Anderson and Morgan, 2007 (Acari: Laelapidae) is a serious ectoparasite of the brood of several honey bee species. Among the four recognized species of Tropilaelaps, Korean population was renamed as T. mercedesae from T. clareae on the basis of morphological evidences and genetic data. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of T. mercedesae. The 15,119-bp long mitogenome has an identical gene arrangement to that of Chinese sample reported previously. Comparison of two geographic samples showed COII, ND5, ND4, ND6, CytB, and ND1 to have higher number of variable sites than COI, which is often used for population-level study, suggesting these genes to have potential usefulness for population genetic study. The mitogenome sequence of T. mercedesae from Korea could be useful for species identification for geographic samples, trace of the origin of local populations, and illustration of evolutionary distinction among Tropilaelaps species either using part of or whole genome.

Bombyx mandarina (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), the presumed ancestor of the domesticated silkworm B. mori, has long been a subject of study to illustrate the geographic relationships in connection with origin of B. mori. We sequenced 100 mitochondrial genomes of B. mandarina collected from South Korea and Japan and these were combined with public data. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses showed that all individuals collected in South Korea, except one individual from Inje, formed a strong group together with northern China and some individuals of southern China. This group was placed as the sister group to B. mori strains, suggesting that this group could have been served as an immediate progenitor for B. mori. For further robust inference more analysis is underway.

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is highly polyphagous pest that damages over 400 plant species, including commercially grown crops and fruits. It was first described in Taiwan and has since invaded Japan and China. In 2021, B. dorsalis was reported on Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea (ROK). To investigate its origin and understand its colonization pathway in ROK, the genetic characteristics were analyzed by using mitochondrial genes. The study analyzed the haplotypes and genetic differences among populations oriental fruit flies collected from Southeast Aisa, including Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome B (CytB) were used for the analysis. The results showed that B. dorsalis had high levels of haplotype diversity among species. No major haplotype was found among populations. The present study enhances our understanding of the haplotype diversity of B. dorsalis in neighboring countries of ROK. This will expand our knowledge of the source of origin and invasive pathway for B. dorsalis.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is toxic heavy metal that accumulates in organisms after passing through their respiratory and digestive tracts. Although several studies have reported the toxic effects of Cd exposure on human health, its role in embryonic development during preimplantation stage remains unclear. We investigated the effects of Cd on porcine embryonic development and elucidated the mechanism. Methods: We cultured parthenogenetic embryos in media treated with 0, 20, 40, or 60 μM Cd for 6 days and evaluated the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. To investigate the mechanism of Cd toxicity, we examined intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, we examined mitochondrial content, membrane potential, and ROS. Results: Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates began to decrease significantly in the 40 μM Cd group compared with the control. During post-blastulation, development was significantly delayed in the Cd group. Cd exposure significantly decreased cell number and increased apoptosis rate compared with the control. Embryos exposed to Cd had significantly higher ROS and lower GSH levels, as well as lower expression of antioxidant enzymes, compared with the control. Moreover, embryos exposed to Cd exhibited a significant decrease in mitochondrial content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression of mitochondrial genes and an increase in mitochondrial ROS compared to the control. Conclusions: We demonstrated that Cd exposure impairs porcine embryonic development by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings provide insights into the toxicity of Cd exposure on mammalian embryonic development and highlight the importance of preventing Cd pollution.

뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방은 쌀, 밀, 옥수수와 같은 농작물에 피해를 주는 해충이다. 본 연구에서는 국내 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방의 미토콘드리아 게놈(15,314b)을 분석하였다. 13개의PCG와2개의 rRNA (13,376bp)를 연결한 서열을 사용한 계통발생 분석 결과, 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방과 멸 강나방 사이의 가장 높은 노드 수치로 자매분류군을 형성하였다. 밤나방상과(Noctuoidea)의 각 과(Noctuidae, Euteliidae, Nolidae, Erebidae 및 Notodontidae)들은 가장 높은 노드수치로 단계통을 형성하였다.

The onion thrips, Thrips tabaci, is a serious global pest attacking many agricultural crops such as onion and Welsh onion. The thrips, assumed to originate in the Mediterranean region, has been reported for a long time in South Korea. According to worldwide molecular works, the species composes of three genetic lineages (LI, L2 and T) which related to reproductive mode (arrhenotoky vs. thelotoky). To understand the genetic diversity of T. tabaci in South Korea, we investigated genetic lineage and haplotype composition, using about 80 mitochondrial COI gene sequences (369bp) along with foreign sequences from GenBank and BOLD. The COI gene analysis shows that both of thelotokous L1 and arrhenotokous L2 population distribute in South Korea. Among 97 COI-haplotypes worldwide, only six haplotypes are found and thelotokous H1 dominantly distributes.

Vespula rufa (Linnaeus, 1758), known as the red wasp, is a social wasp species. We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of V. rufa from South Korea, for an ongoing systematic study of the Korean Vespidae. This species is distributed in northern parts of North America, northern and central Europe, and parts of Asia. It can be distinguished from other species of the genus by usually having reddish brown areas on the 1st and 2nd tergites. The mitogenome is 17,663 bp in length, includes 13 protein-coding genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. The nucleotide composition is 40.5% adenines, 43.00% thymines, 6.1% guanines, and 10.4 % cytosines.

The insect industry in Korea is currently undergoing steady expansion. Among the various insects kept as pets or for educational purposes, four mantis species, including Hierodula patellifera (Audinet-Serville), Tenodera sinensis Saussure, Tenodera angustipennis Saussure, and Statilia maculata (Thunberg), are becoming increasingly popular, leading to higher demand. As we aimed to raise mantises, we collected oothecae, some of which were found to be parasitized by dermestid beetles. These parasitoids have been unequivocally identified as Thaumaglossa rufocapillata Redtenbacher based on morphological characters. A diagnosis, habitus photographs, and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided to facilitate identification. We also present the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T. rufocapillata for providing fundamental data for research aimed at controlling pests in the insect industry.

Ceriagrion nipponicum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) is listed as climate-sensitive indicator species in Korea and now expands its range northward. In this study, we sequenced complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species collected from South Korea for comparatively analysis in damselflies and to detect the genes suitable for subsequent population genetic study. Comparison of the mitogenomes from two geographic samples of C. nipponicum showed the highest variation in ND4 and ND1, whereas no variation was detected in COI, warranting usefulness of the two genes for subsequent population-level study. Phylogenetic analysis using 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs in Zygoptera showed non-monophyletic Coenagrionidae, forming two groups.

애긴노린재는 긴노린재과에 속하며 한국을 포함한 동아시아 국가의 다양한 곡물 및 관상용 식물의 주요 해충으로 여겨진다. 본 연구에서는 애긴노린재의 17,367 bp 미토콘드리아 유전체에서 13개의 protein-coding genes, 22개의 transfer RNA genes, 2개의 ribosomal RNA genes 과 non-coding A+T rich region를 확인하였다. G+C content는 23%로 나타났고 다른 긴노린재과와의 염기서열 유사성이 N. cymoides (94.5%), N. fuscovittatus (91.7%)으로 높은 것을 발견하였다. 애긴노린재의 미토콘드리아 유전체 정보는 향후 긴노린재과의 진화 연구와 해충 방제를 위한 정보로 널리 사용될 수 있다.