The complete mitochondrial genome of the African malaria mosquito Anopheles funestus and its phylogenetic implication

Anopheles funestus is a major malaria vector in Africa. In this study, its complete mitochondrial genome was assembled from high-throughput sequencing reads. The circular genome is 15,403 bp long with an A + T-biased base composition and harbors 37 genes (including 13 protein-coding genes/PCGs, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs) and one control region. The PCGs are initiated with ATN, GTG, TTG, or CGA codons and are terminated with either TAA or TA/T codons. Phylogenetic analysis added support to the current taxonomic framework of the genus Anopheles and suggested that A. funestus is closely related to A. culicifacies and A. minimus.