Contreras-Diaz, R. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

Draft mitochondrial genome assembly of Neltuma alba (Caesalpinioideae, tribe Mimoseae), a vulnerable tree from the Atacama Desert, Chile

In this study, we assembled the draft mitochondrial genome of Neltuma alba, a vulnerable native species inhabiting the Atacama Desert from Chile. Here, we describe the structure and phylogeny of the complete mitochondrial genome of N. alba. The mitochondrial genome consisted of three linear DNA sequences. The whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences comprised 717,588 bp in length and contained 36 protein-coding genes, 19 tRNA and three rRNA. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the seven mitochondrial genomes currently available in NCBI GenBank confirmed the placement of N. alba within the Neltuma genus, supporting its classification within the tribe Mimoseae. This study presents, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genome of N. alba, offering a valuable resource for tracing the evolutionary and geographic diversification of the Neltuma genus in America.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Geographic potential of the world largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia Smith (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), worldwide and particularly in North America

The Asian giant hornet (AGH, Vespa mandarinia) is the worlds largest hornet, occurring naturally in the Indomalayan region, where it is a voracious predator of pollinating insects including honey bees. In September 2019, a nest of Asian giant hornets was detected outside of Vancouver, British Columbia and in May 2020 an individual was detected nearby in Washington state, indicating that the AGH successfully overwintered in North America. Because hornets tend to spread rapidly and become pests, reliable estimates of the potential invasive range of V. mandarinia in North America are needed to assess likely human and economic impacts, and to guide future eradication attempts. Here, we assess climatic suitability for AGH in North America, and suggest that, without control, this species could establish populations across the Pacific Northwest and much of eastern North America. Predicted suitable areas for AGH in North America overlap broadly with areas where honey production is highest, as well as with species-rich areas for native bumble bees and stingless bees of the genus Melipona in Mexico, highlighting the economic and environmental necessity of controlling this nascent invasion.

ecology↗