The mitochondrial genome of the steppe carpenter moth (Paracossulus thrips Hübner, 1818): Structural analysis and phylogenetic implications

Paracossulus thrips (Lepidoptera: Cossoidea) is a rare micromoth species native to the Eurasian steppe that occurs in fragmented populations across its distribution area. In Europe, it persisted only in a few isolated populations, which warranted protection by the EU's Habitats Directive. We assembled the first complete mitochondrial genomes of two individuals of P. thrips using shotgun whole-genome sequencing data. The assembled mitogenomes were complete and circular; they contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The A + T-rich control region (CR) was identified between the 12 S rRNA and tRNA-Met (CAU) regions. We performed phylogenetic tree reconstruction focusing on the Cossoidea superfamily within the Lepidoptera order by incorporating the new mitochondrial genome assemblies presented in this study. Using available mitogenomes of the superfamily, the mitochondrial phylogeny placed P. thrips within the Cossinae subfamily as a sister to the only other species with an assembled mitogenome. These assemblies may provide valuable genetic resources for further large-scale phylogenetic studies of the Cossoidea superfamily, a poorly studied group of the Lepidoptera order. This work could also support the long-term conservation management of this unique species by providing resources for conservation genetic research.