The mitochondrial genome of the giant panda tick (Acari, Ixodidae) from Southwest China.

The tick (Acari, Ixodidae) is an obligatory blood-feeding ectoparasite of the giant panda and is also a vector for transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of this tick was sequenced through Illumina sequencing technology. The genome was 14,699 bp in length and encoded 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs and two ribosomal RNAs. Phylogeny revealed that three isolates of , regardless of host origins and locations, clustered together and formed a monophyletic relationship with , supporting their species validity among the genus . These cumulative mitochondrial DNA data provides insights into phylogenetic studies among ticks.