The complete mitochondrial genome of secret toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus mystaceus (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae).

The complete mitogenome sequence of a mystical lizard species Phrynocephalus mystaceus was determined using polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced with a primer walking method. The complete mitogenome was 16,660 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and a control region (D-loop). The gene arrangement and composition of P. mystaceus was similar to most other vertebrates, but the Proline tRNA gene was translocated to be adjacent to tRNA-Phe gene. The D-loop consisted of two parts, with part I existing between the tRNA-Thr gene and tRNA-Pro gene and another part inserting between the tRNA-Phe and 12S rRNA. In part I, one conserved sequence (CSB I) could be identified. In part II, two pair of motifs, "TACAT" and its reverted and complemented sequence "ATGTA", could be found in the domain of an extended termination-associated sequence. The mitogenome sequence of P. mystaceus could contribute to a better solution of its phylogenetic position within toad-headed agamids based on the whole mitogenomic data.