Identification of Chemosensory Genes in the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae)

Olfaction, one of the most significant sensations influencing insect behaviour, has been an efficient target for pest management. In this study, we analysed the antennal transcriptome of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. which is a predominant honeybee pest and is now becoming a potential threat to the global honeybee industry. A de novo antennal RNA-sequence assembly resulted in 24,683 unigenes and identified 24 odorant-binding proteins, 62 odorant receptors, 4 ionotropic receptors and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins. Additionally, seven antennal-binding proteins, six pheromone-binding proteins and seven general odorant-binding proteins were identified from G. mellonella. Phylogenetic analysis suggested majority of the genes be closely associated with orthologs from other lepidopteran species. The identification of candidate genes and functional annotation of the olfactory genes will facilitate future functional studies on chemoreception processes in this species and other lepidopterans. This study lays the groundwork for future research that might lead to cutting-edge approaches in pest management