Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina (Insecta, Hymenoptera) found in Japan

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the invasive Asian hornet Vespa velutina from Japan. The mitochondrial genome of V. velutina was identified as a circular molecule of 16,765 bp, similar to that in other hornet species. It was predicted to contain 13 protein-coding, 20 tRNA, and two rRNA genes, along with one A + T-rich control region. The initiation codons ATC was found in one, ATG in four, ATT in five, and ATA in three genes, while TAA was the termination codon in all these genes. The average AT content of 13 protein-coding was 82%.

Keywords

• asian hornet
• illumina sequencing
• genetic distance
• alien species
• invasive species