The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis for Rhabdophis swinhonis (Squamata: Colubridae)

Rhabdophis swinhonis has only been studied since its publication due to its narrow distribution and scarcity. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the mitochondrial genome of R. swinhonis, and the results showed that the entire length of R. swinhonis mitochondrial genome was 18,525 bp, containing 37 typical mitochondrial genes and 2 control regions, most of which were encoded on the H chain, including 13 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic relationships revealed that R. chiwen and R. swinhonis form a sister clade, and R. tigrinus forms a separate clade. Overall, this study successfully obtained the first complete mitochondrial genome of R. swinhonis, providing valuable genetic data for its genetic evolution and conservation.