First report of the complete mitochondrial genome of 3 beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) harming Gastrodia elata (Asparagales: Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Gastrodia elata Blume, a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with significant clinical and nutritional importance, is a fungal heterotrophic orchid. We present the first report of the mitochondrial genome structure and characteristics of 3 Scarabaeidae pests affecting G. elata: Sophrops peronosporus Gu & Zhang, Anomala rufiventris Kollar & Redtenbacher, and Callistethus plagiicollis Fairmaire. Each mitogenome contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a control region, with no gene rearrangements observed. All 21 tRNAs, except trnS1 that lacks a dihydrouridine, had a stable cloverleaf secondary structure. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on the 13 PCGs produced 2 topologically similar phylogenetic trees, both of with high nodal support. Larvae of these Scarabaeidae pests cause substantial damage by gnawing on the tubers and roots of G. elata, leading to reduced yield and compromised quality. These findings contribute to phylogenetic studies of Scarabaeidae, expand knowledge of G. elata pests, and offer valuable reference materials for their identification and control.