Chromosome-level genome assembly of the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne reveals genomic adaptations to stored-product niches

Abstract Background Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) is a globally significant stored‑product pest renowned for its exceptional adaptability to diverse substrates, including toxin‑rich tobacco. Despite its economic importance and ecological relevance, the genomic basis of its adaptation to stored‑product niches remains largely unexplored. Results Here, we present a chromosome‑level genome assembly of L. serricorne generated through an integrative approach combining PacBio HiFi, Hi‑C, and NGS sequencing. The 188.96 Mb genome is anchored into 11 pseudochromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 19.11 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 97.1%, representing a high‑quality reference for this species. Comparative genomic analyses across 20 Coleoptera species with a Neuroptera outgroup revealed that 41 gene families have undergone significant expansion in the L. serricorne lineage, with prominent enrichments in detoxification pathways (including insecticide metabolism and response to toxic substances) and carbohydrate metabolism. Among these, the ELL (elongation factor for RNA polymerase II) gene family exhibits a remarkable lineage‑specific expansion to 89 copies, suggesting enhanced transcriptional responsiveness to environmental stressors. Furthermore, positive selection analysis identified 88 genes under adaptive evolution along the L. serricorne branch, including ABCC10 (ATP‑binding cassette transporter), MAN1B1 (glycosyl hydrolase), and CPT1A (carnitine palmitoyltransferase), which harbour lineage‑specific amino acid substitutions potentially linked to nicotine tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Conclusions These genomic features collectively illustrate how L. serricorne has evolved to exploit stored‑product environments through expansions of detoxification and digestive gene repertoires, alongside adaptive changes in energy metabolism. This reference genome provides a foundational resource for understanding the genetic mechanisms of pest adaptation and for developing novel management strategies.