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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:
Bird
Estimated genome size:
Size:
20 cm (length)
Distribution:
Two disjunct populations occur. The subspecies Polihierax semitorquatus semitorquatus (sequenced here) occurs from Angola to northern South Africa, while P. s. castanonotus is found from South Sudan to Somalia and south to Tanzania.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
78.63 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.48 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 723.9 kilobases
Contig number:
3 739
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
1.22 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 98.4%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Polihierax semitorquatus
Pygmy falcon
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Importance:
The pygmy falcon is important to South African biodiversity, helping control insect and small vertebrate populations in arid environments. It exhibits cooperative breeding, where non breeding individuals assist in raising chicks, which may enhance breeding success. Finally, the pygmy falcon does not build its own nest but instead breeds in the large communal nests of the sociable weaver in South Africa. This a fascinating example of a commensal relationship, with some mutualistic benefits.
Date Published:
2025-07-17
Awaiting DOI
Photo credit:
© Robert Thomson
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