: Mosquitoes harbor diverse insect-specific viruses (ISVs) frequently overlooked in arbovirus surveillance. Comprehensive characterization of ISVs is crucial for understanding their impact on host ecology and potential roles in arbovirus transmission.
Methods
: Using metagenomic sequencing on Armigeres subalbatus from Yunnan, China, we identified two novel picorna-like viruses, assembled their genomes, and conducted phylogenetic analysis. Detection was confirmed via RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing.
Results
: Both viruses are closely related to Hubei picorna-like virus 59, previously reported in spiders but unconfirmed. This work provides the first genomic evidence of this lineage in mosquitoes.
Conclusion
: This study characterizes two novel ISVs, expanding known picorna-like virus diversity and offering insights into cross-species virus evolution and arbovirus ecology.
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