The complete mitochondrial genome of the neotropical helicopter damselfly (Odonata: Zygoptera) assembled from next generation sequencing data.

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) is a small order at the base of flying insects (Pterygota). Resolving family-level phylogenetic relationships within this order receives great attention. Hereby, genetic data already resulted in various changes, which are however still under discussion. Mitochondrial genomes may further enhance such phylogenies. This study presents the complete mitochondrial genome of the Neotropical damselfly based on next generation sequencing (NGS) data on total genomic DNA. The total length comprises 16,094 bp and includes the standard metazoan set of 37 genes together with a 1376 bp long A + T rich (control) region. Gene content, gene arrangement and base frequency are consistent with other odonate mitochondrial genomes. It further contains four intergenic spacer regions, indicating a possible family specific feature for the Coenagrionidae and its close relatives.