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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:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Ranges from small shrubs (3-5m) to tall trees (18-25m) depending on the ecosystem
Distribution:
Colophospermum mopane is widely distributed across southern Africa, extending from the northern parts of South Africa into Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and Angola.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
153.41 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.72 kilobases
Assembly N50:
34 688.87 kilobases
Contig number:
6 164
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.81 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.2% [S: 84.3%, D: 14.9%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Colophospermum mopane
Mopane
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Importance:
Sequencing its genome provides a foundation for studying population genetic diversity and guiding conservation. It also enables genome annotation and analysis of molecular pathways involved in leaf secondary metabolism, supporting better understanding of Mopane tree and caterpillar ecology.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2025-11-28
Photo credit:
© SAplants
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