We report the nearly complete mitochondrial genome of the rapid racerunner, Eremias velox (Lacertidae), which is a circular molecule of 18,033 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a partial control region (2627 bp). The A + T content of overall base composition of H-strand is 58.0% (T: 27.7%, C: 28.3%, A: 30.3%, G: 13.7%). Some short microsatellite-like repeat regions (polyA and polyT) are scattered in the control region. All the results provide powerful data for further study of the molecular systematics, species identification and conservation genetics in this species and its congenators.
Keywords: Eremias velox; Lacertidae; mitogenome.