Next-generation sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of Oligodon chinensis (Squamata: Colubridae) with a pylogenetic analysis of Colubridae

Abstract

The Chinese kukri snake Oligodon chinensis belongs to family Colubridae and is distributed in southern China and North Vietnam. In this study, the total mitochondrial genome of O. chinensis was determined using next-generation sequencing.It is a circular molecule of 17,146 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 control regions (CR1 and CR2), with a base composition of A 33.6%, G 12.2%, T 25.6%, and C 28.6%. Interestingly, a special 136 bp non-coding region, which was identified as the repeated sequence in CR1 and CR2. Oligodon chinensis lay a basal position within Colubrinae (Clade A). Ptyas mucosa was the nearest sister to Elaphe carinata and they were clustered in other species of Elaphe. The molecular data presented here would be useful for further study of O. chinensis.