Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic status of a recently described species of Mountain Dragon, Diploderma vela (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae), from the upper Lantsang valley in west China

Abstract

The mountain dragon, Diploderma vela, is an endemic and protected valley lizard that inhabits the upper Lantsang Valley in West China. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of a male individuals of D. vela using next-generation sequencing methodologies. The complete mitogenome is 16,432 bp in length and contains one noncoding control regions, 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNA and two ribosomal RNA genes. The mitogenome content and structure of D. vela was consistent with the previously published representatives of the family. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using the complete mitochondrial genomes of Agamidae fully resolved D. vela in the Draconinae, a result consistent with previous investigations. This study provides bioinformatic data for better understanding the evolution and the phylogenetic history of the mountain dragon.

Keywords

• lizard
• mitochondrial genome
• mountain dragon
• phylogeny
• topotype