Genetic diversity and population structure of Capitulum mitella (Cirripedia: Pedunculata) in China inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences

•We analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of Capitulum mitella.•High haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity were observed.•AMOVA and FST statistics suggested absence of a significant population structure.

Capitulum mitella is an economically important species in China; however, information on the population structure of this species is limited. In this study, the phylogeographical pattern, population genetic profile, and demographic history of C. mitella were investigated using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). A 599-bp segment of this subunit was sequenced from 198 individuals sampled in eight localities along the Chinese coast. High haplotype diversity (0.656–0.788) and low nucleotide diversity (0.0016–0.00244) were observed. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) and FST statistics suggested the absence of a significant population structure. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions both indicated a recent population expansion. The current phylogeographic structure of C. mitella may be attributed to past population expansion and long-distance pelagic larval dispersal facilitated by present-day ocean currents.