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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:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Maximum 13 cm
Distribution:
This species occurs exclusively on the west coast of South Africa, found only within the Succulent Karoo Biome, one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
47.2 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.32 kilobases
Assembly N50:
450.04 kilobases
Contig number:
16 117
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
2.2 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
97.3% [S: 95.3%, D: 2.3%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Psammobates tentorius trimeni
Namaqualand tent tortoise
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Importance:
The Namaqualand tent tortoise is a vibrant and highly polymorphic seed disperser. Widely regarded as the most colourful tortoise in the world, it has a more restricted range than other tent tortoise species. Listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, it faces pressures from habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and increasing aridity. No genomic studies have been conducted on any tortoise species in Africa or the Southern Hemisphere.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2025-06-23
Photo credit:
© Zhongning Zhao
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