The mitochondrial genome of the primary screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera : Calliphoridae)

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the screwworm Cochliom yia hominivorax was determined. This genome is 16 022 bp in size and corres ponds to a typical Brachycera mtDNA. A Serine start codon for COI and incom plete termination codons for COII, NADH 5 and NADH 4 genes were described. The nucleotide composition of C. hominivorax mtDNA is 77% AT-rich, reflecte d in the predominance of AT-rich codons in protein-coding genes. Non-optima l codon usage was commonly observed in C. hominivorax mitochondrial genes. Phylogenetic analysis distributed the Acalypterate species as a monophyleti c group and assembled the C. hominivorax (Calyptratae) and the Acalyptratae in a typical Brachycera cluster. The identification of diagnostic restrict ion sites on the sequenced mitochondrial genome and the correlation with pr evious RFLP analysis are discussed.