Genetic Insights and Phylogenetic Relationships of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae, 1845) Revealed Through Mitochondrial Genome Sequence Analysis

Lycorma delicatula, a phytophagous agricultural pest, is invading various regions across the globe. We employed the mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial marker NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) to elucidate the mitochondrial genome characterization and phylogenetic relationships. The mitochondrial genome revealed a circular mitochondrial structure with a length of 16 138 bp encompassing 37 genes and a GC% of 23.41%. Codon usage preferences exhibited significant variation, with A or U being the most preferred bases in the third codon position. Most tRNAs displayed a typical cloverleaf structure, while a few exhibited base mismatches, primarily in G-U pairs. Phylogenetic analysis using the ND2 genes indicated that the population in northwest China could be tightly near together, with a genetic distance ranging from 0 to 0.01. Speculations arising from the mitochondrial genome analysis suggest that species from northern China were closer relatives to invaders from other regions, Lycorma meliae emerged as a close relative of Lycorma delicatula among the Hemipterans. Collectively, our findings enhance the understanding of phylogenetic relationships and complement the mitochondrial genomic information of Lycorma delicatula, thereby contributing valuable data for subsequent studies on this pest species.