Phylogenetic relationship and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the black citrus aphid, Aphis aurantii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The black citrus aphid Aphis aurantii is a major pest of citrus and tea plants. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. aurantii. The mitogenome was 15,469 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region. Gene order of A. aurantii was highly conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Aphididae. Initiation codons ATT, ATA, and ATG were identified in eight, three, and two PCGs, respectively, while stop codon TAA was found in 11 genes except for 2 genes (cox1 and nad4) which use incomplete stop codon T–. Phylogenetic analysis showed the topology (Pemphigidae + (Hormaphididae + (Greenideidae + Aphididae))) within Aphidoidea, and A. aurantii was more closely related to Aphis craccivora than to Aphis gossypii.