A significant breakthrough in evolutionary genomics has been achieved by Dr. Roohollah Abbasi, Assistant Professor at the University of Isfahan, who has successfully sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui), one of the most widely distributed butterfly species in the world.

The research, published in the prestigious journal BMC Genomics, represents the first fully annotated mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) for Vanessa cardui, a migratory butterfly renowned for its extraordinary long-distance flights and global distribution across multiple continents.

Using next-generation sequencing technologies and advanced bioinformatics analyses, Dr. Abbasi assembled a complete circular mitochondrial genome comprising 15,299 base pairs. The genome contains the standard set of 37 mitochondrial genes found in most animals, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs).

Beyond genome characterization, the study provides important insights into the evolutionary history of butterflies. Phylogenomic analyses and divergence dating estimates suggest that the genus Vanessa originated approximately 22.8 million years ago, while the broader butterfly family Nymphalidae diverged nearly 69.9 million years ago.

According to Dr. Abbasi, complete mitochondrial genome studies play a crucial role in clarifying evolutionary relationships among closely related species and lineages. The research demonstrates how comparative mitogenomic data can help scientists better understand the genetic mechanisms underlying species adaptation, migration, and geographic dispersal.

“Studying mitochondrial genomes of butterflies with different distribution patterns can provide valuable insights into the genetic factors that influence adaptation and dispersal,” Dr. Abbasi explained.

The painted lady butterfly is commonly found throughout Iran, and the specimen analyzed in this study was collected from Zanjan Province. The findings contribute valuable genomic resources to the growing international database of Lepidoptera mitochondrial genomes and establish a strong foundation for future comparative and evolutionary studies across butterfly species.

This achievement further highlights the University of Isfahan’s growing contribution to cutting-edge research in genetics, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, while strengthening its position within the global scientific community.

Publication Details

Abbasi, R. (2025). Next-generation sequencing, assembly, annotation, and phylogenomic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). BMC Genomics, 26, 977.

DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12171-y