top of page
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:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
6-7 mm long
Distribution:
Eastern Cape in the area near Gqeberha and Kariega.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
29.49 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
4.85 kilobases
Assembly N50:
21 039 kilobases
Contig number:
507
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.28 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 99.0%, D: 0.6%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Porthetes sp. nov.
(ex Encephalartos horridus)
Cycad pollination weevil
.png)
Importance:
Porthetes beetles are pollinators of Encephalartos cycads. Both the cycads and weevils have a high extinction risk. Genome sequencing provides a basis for further molecular studies to understand host specificity and options for conserving and recovering pollinator interactions.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. John Donaldson
Wild Cycad Conservancy; University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2025-12-01
Photo credit:
© Wild Cycad Conservancy
bottom of page