The complete mitochondrial genome of an east African honey bee, Apis mellifera monticola Smith (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Apis mellifera monticola was sequenced and annotated. The genome is 16,343 bp in length and encodes all 37 mitochondrial genes with an A + T content of 84.8%. Gene directions and arrangements are identical to those of other sequenced mitogenomes in Apis. Most genes initiated with ATT, though ATG, ATA, and ATC also were used as start codons. All genes terminated with TAA. Four PCG genes, eight tRNAs and both rRNAs are encoded on the heavy strand while all others are coded on the light strand (nine PCGs and 14 tRNAs). Overall, the GC content composed 15.2% of the mitogenome. All of the 22 tRNA genes, ranging from 63 to 78 bp, have a typical cloverleaf structure. A phylogenetic tree showed that A.m. monticola clusters with other African subspecies.