Population genetics and genetic variation of (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) in China revealed by sequence analyses of three mitochondrial genes.

The Golden apple snail, , is one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species that is best known for its damage to wetland agriculture. It also acts as an intermediate host of some zoonotic parasites such as , posing threats to human public health and safety. Despite is being an important agricultural pest, the genetic information and population expansion history of this snail remains poorly understood in China. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variation and population genetics of populations in seven regions of China based on molecular markers of three mitochondrial (mt) genes. A total of 15 haplotypes were recognized based on single mt , , and , and eight haplotypes were identified using the concatenated genes. High haplotype diversity, moderate nucleotide diversity, low gene flow, and high rates of gene differentiation among the seven populations were detected. Shanghai and Yunnan populations showed higher genetic flow and very low genetic differentiation. The results of Tajima's , Fu's , and mismatch distribution showed that did not experience population expansion in China. Genetic distance based on haplotypes suggested that gene was more conserved than gene within . The phylogenetic analyses showed there may be two geographical lineages in the Chinese mainland. The present study may provide a new genetic marker to analyze , and results support more evidence for studying the genetic distribution of in China and contribute to a deeper understanding of its population genetics and evolutionary biology.