Complete mitochondrial genome of the two-spotted stag beetle, Metopodontus blanchardi (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

We have completely sequenced the mitochondrial genome (mitogeome) of the two-spotted stag beetle, Metopodontus blanchardi, which is listed as a first-degree endangered species in Korea. The complete mitogenome of M. blanchardi was determined to be 21,628 bp, indicating at least 5 kb larger in size than typical animal mitogenomes. Such a long M. blanchardi genome stems from a 3100-bp long A+T-rich region and a 4051-bp long, large non-coding sequence located between tRNA(lle) and tRNA(Gln). The A+T-rich region is composed of duplicated repeat sequences (each 965 bp and 969 bp), and three non-repeat sequences encompassing the repeat sequences. The 4051-bp long non-coding sequence is composed of similar to 17 tandem repeat sequences, each of which is composed of two subunits (113-bp and 104-bp long subunits) and this is encompassed by non-repeat sequences. The start codon for COI gene of M. blanchardi was designated as unconventional AAG (Lysine) by following a previous study.