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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

Genome size:

768M Million DNA base pairs (0,77 Giga bases)

Size:

30 cm

Distribution:

Winter rainfall regions of South Africa, invasive in the Mediterranean, California, Australia and Chile (and many other regions).

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

127.35 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

7.76 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

293.15 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Oxalis pes-caprae

Bermuda buttercup

Species Card Details

Importance:

This South African species is one of the world's worst weeds, and causes massive damage to invaded ecosystems as it forms monocultures that crowd out native plants. It is almost impossible to eradicate due to extensive clonal reproduction through bulbils. Sequencing the genome of this species may offer us insights into possible management mechanisms.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Kenneth Oberlander
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2024-07-3

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© F.W. Becker

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