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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
4 mm
Distribution:
Exclusive to the Western Cape province.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.91 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.69 kilobases
Assembly N50:
4 195.23 kilobases
Contig number:
1 636
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.33 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 97.7%, D: 2.2%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Amitermes hastatus
Black mound termite
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Importance:
Amitermes hastatus plays a significant role in South African biodiversity as a key decomposer in the fynbos biome, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Sequencing the genome of this species important because it can: ① Illuminate genetic adaptations to nutrient-poor, fire adapted environments; ② Provide insight into the evolution of sociality in termites within an ecologically unique context; ③ Support comparative genomics across termite lineages, particularly within the diverse and underrepresented southern African termite fauna; ④ Enhance understanding of species responses to climate change and habitat transformation in fynbos systems.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Barbara van Asch
Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department
Date Published:
2025-10-24
Photo credit:
© D. Gergonne
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