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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
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.6 meters (height)
Distribution:
Boegoekaroo occurs across the arid interior Karoo regions of South Africa. It occurs from the Namaqualand, through the Great Karoo and Little Karoo, into the Eastern Cape Province.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
87.6 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
14.09 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 965.24 kilobases
Contig number:
4 145
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
4.89 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 79.3%, D: 20.0%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Pteronia glauca
Boegoekaroo
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Importance:
This species is an iconic pasture plant of South Africa's dry interior (the Karoo). Its leaves have a pungent yet pleasantly herbal aroma when bruised. This aromatic flavour is associated with the distinctive taste of Karoo lamb. It is one of the bushes in the sheep’s diet considered necessary for producing certified Karoo lamb, as formally recognised in Government Gazette No. 49556.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© G. Laidler
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