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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:
0.3 - 1 meters (height)
Distribution:
Oedera humilis is widespread throughout the arid areas of southern Africa and occurs in southern and southwestern Botswana, southern Namibia, and the karoo areas of the Cape and the southern Free State.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
176.7 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.12 kilobases
Assembly N50:
87 919.35 kilobases
Contig number:
1 254
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
4.54 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 3.5%, D: 96.0%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Oedera humilis
Perdekaroo
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Importance:
This species is one of the bushes recognized in the Government Gazette No. 49556 as an essential part of the sheep diet required for producing certified Karoo lamb. Highly drought-resistant, it plays a critical role as forage during dry periods when most other plants have been grazed, even though it is not particularly palatable. Its new growth, however, carries a pleasantly aromatic flavour.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© S. Milton-Dean
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