The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis for <i>Rhabdophis chiwen</i> (squamata: colubridae)

<i>Rhabdophis chiwen</i> is currently found so far in Sichuan Province, China, where it predominantly feeds on earthworms and firefly larvae. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the mitochondrial genome of <i>R. chiwen</i>, which measured 17,646 bp in length and encompassed 37 genes along with two control regions. The base composition revealed percentages of 33.20% A, 25.94% T, 13.27% G, and 27.59% C. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that <i>R. chiwen</i> belongs to the family Colubridae and forms a sister branch with <i>R. tigrinus</i>. This study successfully obtained the first complete mitochondrial genome of <i>R. chiwen</i>, offering crucial genetic data for its evolutionary history and conservation.