The complete mitochondrial genome of Haemaphysalis hystricis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and its phylogenetic analysis
To investigate the species-specific traits and clarify the phylogenetic relationship of Haemaphysalis hystricis, we sequenced its complete mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome of H. hystricis spans 14,714 base pairs (bp) in size, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and two non-coding control regions. Using the maximum likelihood method for phylogenetic inference, we found that H. hystricis is most genetically similar to Haemaphysalis longicornis, and these two species form a distinct evolutionary clade. This clade, together with other species within the genus Haemaphysalis, constitutes a monophyletic group, and this result supports the taxonomic status of Haemaphysalis hystricis in the genus Haemaphysalis. In conclusion, by characterizing the entire mitochondrial genome of H. hystricis, our study provides genetic evidence for the classification and phylogenetic position of the family Ixodidae.