Sequencing and analysis of the whole mitochondrial genome of a variegated racerunner from Taklamakan Desert

The whole mitochondrial genome of a variegated racerunner (Eremias vermiculata) from the Taklamakan Desert was determined using polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced with a primer walking method. The mitogenome sequence was 19 796 bp in size, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region (D-loop), which is similar to the typical mtDNA of vertebrates. Mitochondrial genomes analyses using maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees, indicating a close phylogenetic affinity of the seven Eremias species. Monophyly of the genus Eremias and E. vermiculata was recovered. The mitogenome presented here will contribute to the examination of genetic differentiation for E. vermiculata and understanding of the mitochondrial DNA evolution in Eremias.