Abstract: To explore the genetic variation and genetic taxonomy of Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi in China, the complete sequence of mitochondrial ATP6 gene of P. ovis var. cuniculi isolated from 5 geographical regions (Huabei, Huadong, Huazhong, Xibei, and Xinan) were amplified by PCR sequencing techniques, and evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of P. ovis var. cuniculi population. Eighty-eight sequences of mitochondrial ATP6 were obtained which were 672 bp, including 41 haplotypes. The whole population of P.ovis var. cuniculi in China showed high genetic diversity (π=0.014 94) and haplotype diversity (Hd=0.925 81), and the genetic variation within the population held the dominant positon(97.92%). The genetic differentiation index among the five populations was low (F_st=0.02081), and there was no obvious differentiation and frequent gene exchange (Nm=11.763 5). In P. ovis var. cuniculi population, the average values of Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs were positive (Tajima’s D=0.937 98, Fu’s Fs=0.522 06) and there was no significant differentiation(P>0.05). The mismatch distribution curve showed multiple peaks, indicating that the population of P. ovis var. cuniculi was relatively stable in the evolutionary process and had no population expansion events. From NJ phylogenetic tree and haplotype network map, it can be seen that there was no genetic structure based on rabbit breed, temperature zone or geographical distribution. The results revealed that there was high level of genetic diversity, little population genetic differentiation, but population structure has not formed according to rabbit breed, temperature zone or geographical distribution.

Key words: Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi, mitochondrial ATP6 gene, genetic diversity