First report of the complete mitochondrial genome of an <i>Ophidascaris</i> species from the European hedgehog (<i>Erinaceus europaeus</i>) in China

Species of the genus <i>Ophidascaris</i> are zoonotic nematodes primarily parasitic in snakes, but limited genomic resources have hindered phylogenetic resolution and species delineation. To date, no ascarid nematodes have been documented in hedgehogs, making this finding noteworthy. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Ophidascaris</i> sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (<i>Erinaceus europaeus</i>) in China was sequenced using Illumina technology, annotated, and compared with published sequences. The mitogenome (14,624 bp) contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and-as in other nematodes-lacks the atp8 gene. Comparative analyses showed nucleotide divergence (14.4 %-17.1 %) from <i>O. wangi</i> and <i>O. baylisi</i>, supported its distinct genetic identity. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its placement within the <i>Ophidascaris</i> genus with strong statistical support. This study provides the first complete mitogenome of an <i>Ophidascaris</i> species recovered from a hedgehog and suggests that hedgehogs may serve as intermediate hosts, thereby expanding the known host range. The mitogenome generated here provides valuable molecular markers for species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, and future epidemiological surveillance.