Characterization and chromosomal mapping of the DgmarMITE transposon in populations of Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) sericeus species complex (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

<div><p>Abstract Transposable elements are dispersed repetitive DNA sequences that can move within the genome and are related to genome and chromosome evolution, adaptation, and speciation. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the chromosomal location and accumulation of a Mariner-like element in populations of four phylogenetically related species of the Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) sericeus complex. Mapping of the isolated element was performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization in different populations of analyzed species. Characterization of the isolated element revealed a degenerated transposon, named DgmarMITE. This transposon is 496-bp-long, AT rich (57%), and contains 24 bp terminal inverted repeats. In situ mapping revealed presence of this element only in two out of four species analyzed. DgmarMITE sites were located in heterochromatic and euchromatic regions and varied in location and number on the karyotypes of Dichotomius (L.) gilletti and D. (L.) guaribensis across different populations. These results demonstrate differential accumulation of the DgmarMITE in genomes of these species, which is probably due to the occurrence of ectopic recombination and cross-mobilization of the element mediated by the transposase of closely related or unrelated transposable elements.</p></div

<i>Dichotomius</i> (<i>Luederwaldtinia</i>) <i>schiffleri</i> (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Scarabaeoidea

<p>The mitochondrial DNA of <i>Dichotomius</i> (<i>Luederwaldtinia</i>) <i>schiffleri</i> was characterized and its phylogenetic position was reconstructed in Scarabaeoidea. This mitogenome presented 14,802 bp-long, richness in AT of 77.4% and 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs. In addition, it was observed intergenic spacers and reading frame overlaps. The phylogenetic trees reconstructed from protein sequences provided best resolution, indicating Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae as a sister groups, as previously reported in other molecular phylogenies.</p