# Whole genome sequencing of 18 economically important aphid pests with photographic vouchers for taxonomic validation

## TL;DR

This study provides validated genomic and photographic data for 18 aphid pest species to improve insect monitoring and DNA-based identification methods.

## Contribution

The study introduces a curated genomic dataset with taxonomically verified aphid pests, including sequencing data and photographic vouchers.

## Key findings

- Whole-genome shotgun sequences were generated for 18 aphid species.
- Photographic vouchers were captured to ensure taxonomic accuracy.
- The dataset supports DNA barcoding and metagenomic assays for pest surveillance.

## Abstract

Accurate molecular identification in insect monitoring programs relies on validated genomic references, yet many pest species remain underrepresented or incorrectly annotated in public databases. This Data Note provides a curated genomic resource for 18 economically important aphid pests. For each species, we generated whole-genome shotgun sequences and captured high-resolution photographic vouchers of the sequenced individuals to ensure taxonomic verification. Specimens were collected from field or suction trap networks to incorporate intraspecific variation. This dataset will support the development of reliable DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and mitochondrial metagenomic assays, and contribute to improved reference libraries for aphid pest surveillance.

This dataset includes whole-genome shotgun sequencing data for 18 agriculturally important aphid pest species selected from suction trap monitoring programs. Specimens were morphologically identified using standard aphid identification keys, and diagnostic traits were documented with high-resolution Leica Flexacam C3 images to provide taxonomic verification. For each species, pooled individuals (up to 15 per species) were used for DNA extraction using the Monarch® Genomic DNA Purification Kit. Illumina 150 bp paired-end sequencing (10.1–22.7 Gb per species) was performed by Novogene. These data enable extraction of Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) barcodes, mitochondrial genomes, and associated endosymbiont sequences.