Genomic analyses of the barberry carpet moth, Pareulype berberata , reveals the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia

Abstract The hedgerow shrub Berberis vulgaris, is considered a primary food source for the endangered barberry carpet moth ( Pareulype berberata ) in the UK. B. vulgaris also serves as an alternate host for the highly destructive wheat stem rust fungus—known as the “polio of agriculture”—that is currently increasing in prevalence in the UK. In this study, complementary to current P. berberata conservation efforts enhancing B. vulgaris abundance, we explored any additional genetic factors that could contribute to constraining P. berberata numbers in the UK. We generated the first 553.0 Mb genome assembly for P. berberata, with coverage of approximately 40.8X, an average GC content of 37.77% and high benchmarking universal single‐copy orthologs (BUSCO) completeness. Comparative genomic analysis revealed low sequence diversity among P. berberata individuals both within the UK (0.1%–0.4%) and compared to an individual from Spain (1.8%), suggesting inherently low genetic diversity that could reflect an inbreeding depression. Furthermore, within the P. berberata genomic data, we identified sequences associated with the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia (termed wBer ), expanding the list of moth species known to host Wolbachia . In the wBer genome, we also found candidate genes encoding cytoplasmic incompatibility factors and male‐killing determinants, which can reduce moth reproductive success. Overall, our findings indicate that factors beyond host plant availability, such as the potential role of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia , need to be clarified to best support future conservation efforts, alongside careful planning to balance wheat production needs and ecological goals.