Mapping and CRISPR homology-directed repair of a recessive white eye mutation in moths.

The pantry moth is a worldwide pest of stored food products and a promising laboratory model system for lepidopteran functional genomics. Here we describe efficient methods for precise genome editing in this insect. A spontaneous recessive white-eyed phenotype maps to a frameshift deletion (.) in the gene. CRISPR NHEJ mutagenesis of replicates this phenotype with high rates of somatic biallelic knockout. G individuals with mutant clones on both eyes produced 100% mutant progeny, making an ideal marker for co-conversion when targeting other genes. CRISPR HDR experiments corrected . and reverted white eyes to a pigmented state in 37% of G mosaic adults. These repaired alleles showed practical rates of germline transmission in backcrosses, demonstrating the potential of the technique for precise genome editing. offers a promising avenue for research in this taxon because of its lab-ready features, egg injectability, and editability.