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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Greater than 18 mm

Size:

Greater than 18 mm

Distribution:

Anthia decemguttata inhabits sandy areas of the Karoo and fynbos regions in South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, it occurs in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

71.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

3.56 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.51 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

100.0% [S: 98.8%, D: 1.2%]

Importance:

Anthia decemguttata belongs to the family Carabidae, a group of beetles that includes important predators. Carabids are abundant in agricultural fields worldwide and may help control agricultural pests naturally.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Charlene Janion-Scheepers
University of Cape Town

Group:

Echinoderm

Estimated genome size:

Size:

20 mm

Distribution:

This species is distributed along the South African coast from the west coast to KwaZulu-Natal.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

61.29 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

2.34 kilobases

Assembly N50:

110 kilobases

Contig number:

17 444

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.33 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.0% [S: 94.1%, D: 3.9%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Parvulastra exigua

Dwarf cushion star

Species Card Details

Importance:

The dwarf cushion star is a widespread and ecologically significant intertidal species in South Africa. It contributes to biodiversity by maintaining balance in rocky shore ecosystems and serving as prey and grazer. Sequencing its genome will provide insights into adaptation to harsh intertidal conditions, population connectivity, and resilience to environmental change, supporting conservation and enhancing understanding of echinoderm evolution within South Africa's unique marine biodiversity.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Suzanne Redelinghuys
Rhodes University &
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-12-01

Photo credit:

© S. Redelinghuys

Fauna

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