The complete mitochondrial genome of the copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) and phylogenetic analyses of Crotalinae (Serpentes; Colubroidea; Viperidae)

The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) was listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, due to habitat destruction, invasive plants, insecticide application, and road mortality. Here, we presented the complete mitochondrial genome of A. contortrix. The circular genome is 16,430 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes and 2 control regions (CR). The overall nucleotide composition is: 33.1% A, 24.5% T, 29.7% C, and 12.7% G, with a total A + T content of 62.8%. The phylogenetic tree was constructed to explore the taxonomic status of A. contortrix, which contributes to phylogenetic studies of Crotalinae and further conservation strategies for this species.