Ac. Lessinger et al., The mitochondrial genome of the primary screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera : Calliphoridae), INSEC MOL B, 9(5), 2000, pp. 521-529
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.