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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:
12 mm
Distribution:
The distribution of Microhodotermes viator is largely restricted to southern Africa, with its range concentrated in the arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and parts of the Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
66.5 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.16 kilobases
Assembly N50:
6 407.31 kilobases
Contig number:
2 668
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.95 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.7% [S: 98.7%, D: 1.0%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Microhodotermes viator
Southern harvester termite
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Importance:
The Southern harvester termite is ecologically important in South African arid and semiarid ecosystems, particularly the Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes. It is a dominant decomposer and primary soil engineer, breaking down dry plant material and contributing to nutrient cycling, soil structure, and water infiltration. This termite’s genome sequence is important because it can: ① Reveal genetic adaptations to arid environments and extreme temperature fluctuations; ②. Shed light on the early evolution of termites; ③ Fill a major gap in termite phylogenomics, improving our understanding of termite diversification; ④ Inform conservation and land management in fragile dryland ecosystems facing climate change.
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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