The complete mitogenome and phylogenetic analysis of Thalassa montezumae Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: coccinellidae)

Abstract

Thalassa montezumae Mulsant is a coccinellid species recently discovered as predator of the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of T. montezumae collected in Turks and Caicos Islands in 2023 was sequenced using next-generation sequencing techniques. The circular mitochondrial genome is 16,981 bp long and contains 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNA, and 2 rRNA genes. Gene order is identical to that of other Coccinellidae. Phylogenetic analysis confirms structure of Coccinellidae families and tribes.

Keywords

• Toumeyella natural enemies
• biological control
• complete mitochondrial genome
• lady beetle
• scale insect predator