Analysis of the evolutionary forces shaping mitochondrial genomes of a Neotropical malaria vector complex

► Complete mtDNA genomes reported for six species of the Anopheles albitarsis complex. ► mtDNA evolution driven by directional mutation pressure and purifying selection. ► Signature of a potential ancient mtDNA introgression found. ► Potential mechanism of mtDNA replication in Anopheles uncovered. ► Support for existence of a new species within the complex.