The complete mitochondrial genome of Geisha distinctissima (Hemiptera: Flatidae) was recently sequenced by the research group headed by Dr. Ai-Ping Liang from the Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Analyses of the sequences revealed that the mitogenome of G. distinctissima is a circular molecule of 15,971 bp with a total A+T content of 75.1%. The gene content, order, and structure in G. distinctissima are consistent with those found in Drosophila yakuba. All 13 protein-coding genes are observed to have a putative, inframe ATR methionine or ATT isoleucine codons as start signals. Canonical TAA and TAG termination codons are found in nine protein-coding genes, and the remaining four genes (cox1, atp6, cox3, and nad4) have incomplete termination codons. The anticodons of all transfer RNA (tRNAs) are identical to those observed in D. yakuba and Philaenus spumarius, and can be folded in the form of a typical clover-leaf structure except for tRNA^Ser(AGN). The major non-coding region (the A+T-rich region or putative control region) between the small ribosomal subunit and the tRNA^Ile gene includes two sets of repeat regions. The first repeat region consists of a direct 152-bp repetitive unit located near the srRNA gene end, and the second repeat region is composed of a direct repeat unit of 19 bp located toward tRNA^Ile gene. Comparisons of gene variability across the order Hemiptera suggest that the gene content and arrangement of G. distinctissima mitogenome are similar to other hemipteran insects.

The phylogenetic relationships among the higher taxa in the Hemiptera has been debated from the time since Linneaus established the order in 1758 and the superfamily Fulgoroidea is considered as a pivotal taxon in determining the phylogenetic framework for the Hemiptera. The present work represents the first attempt in sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of the Fulgoroidea and the results of this work will be significant in understanding the phylogeny and evolution of the major groups in the Hemiptera. (By: Professor Ai-Ping Liang)