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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:
Wingspan: 10-12 cm
Distribution:
Primarily mopane woodlands in southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.4 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.65 kilobases
Assembly N50:
249.78 kilobases
Contig number:
6 924
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.4 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.4% [S: 94.1%, D: 4.3%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Gonimbrasia belina
Mopane worm
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Importance:
Mopane worms are harvested from the wild at a commercial scale in southern Africa for human consumption. Demand has been increasing and harvesting and trade have intensified. Together with habitat loss and climate change, this has raised concerns about the sustainability of the species. The genome sequence will assist in understanding population dynamics and the conservation status of the species.
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© B. van Asch
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