Source  NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Published  DEC 2025

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65870-1

IF  15.7

Abstract

Dipteran insects include numerous harmful species that cause significant agricultural damage. However, assembly of genomes for species in this order has been difficult due to their small body size, poor conservation of telomere and centromere structures, high levels of heterozygosity, and complex genetic backgrounds. In this study, we assemble a high-quality 596 Mb telomere-to-telomere genome for Bactrocera dorsalis, a fruit crop pest, using a strategy with a low-input HiFi CCS library from a male individual and an ONT sequence from pooled inbred individuals. The assembly includes complete structural organization information for centromeres and telomeres, providing insights into the evolution of chromosome structure in insects. Comparative genomic analysis reveals the polyphyletic origin of sex chromosomes across Diptera. Furthermore, we identify a homolog of ATPsyn beta as a Y chromosome-specific gene that is highly expressed across multiple male tissues and may provide critical support for male-specific physiological activities. Additionally, we discover several tandem duplications of odorant receptor genes, including a triplet of the OR88a family, which was validated to be involved in the behavioral response to methyl eugenol. In summary, this complete reference genome provides a foundation for future genomic research in Diptera and offers genetic insights for the control of B. dorsalis.