The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Melanoplus differentialis (Orthoptera: Melanoplinae) Collected in South Korea

Abstract

Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas, 1865) is a major pest of agricultural crops. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of M. differentialis, which is 15,627 bp in length. The genome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and an A+T-rich control region, with an overall nucleotide composition of 42.3% A, 32.5% T, 10.5% G, and 14.7% C. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs from available mitochondrial genomes of the family Acrididae. The results placed M. differentialis within the subfamily Melanoplinae, consistent with its current taxonomic classification. This newly sequenced mitochondrial genome provides a valuable resource for future studies on the evolution, phylogeny, and management of M. differentialis, enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of this economically important pest