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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Distribution:

Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.93 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]

Importance:

It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State

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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