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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:

2 to 10 mm

Distribution:

The Common Pugnacious Ant is distributed across Africa in the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

16.14 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

0.88 kilobases

Assembly N50:

26.35 kilobases

Contig number:

16 253

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.22 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

90.6% [S: 87.5%, D: 3.1%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Anoplolepis custodiens

Common Pugnacious Ant

Species Card Details

Importance:

Anoplolepis custodiens plays a major role in seed dispersal in the fynbos regions of South Africa.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers
University of Cape Town

Date Published:

2025-11-28

Photo credit:

© P. Hoenle

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