New Mitogenomes of the Harnischia Generic Complex (Diptera: Chironomidae) and Their Implication in Phylogenetics

The Harnischia generic complex, a significant assemblage within the tribe Chi-ronomini, extensive global sampling and the integration of multi-characteristic data for comprehensive analysis are essential to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within the Harnischia generic complex. We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of a single species each from the genera Parachironomus Lenz, Robackia Saether and Saetheria Jackson. Additionally, we incorporated 26 previously published mitogenomes into our analysis to delve deeper into the characteristics of these mitogenomes. Our findings indicate the close affinity between (Cryptochironomus + Demicryptochironomus) and (Harnischia + Microchironomus), aligning consistently with previous research outcomes showing that the Harnischia generic complex and Chironomus are phylogenetically close, and their clade forms a sister group with the Polypedilum generic complex. Based on mitochondrial genome data, Robackia is identified as the basal taxon being relatively primitive, with Parachironomus and Saetheria also appearing as primitive within the complex.