Reduced-representation libraries in insect genetics

Genotyping-by-sequencing of reduced-representation libraries has ushered in an era where genome-wide data can be gotten for any species. Here, I review research on this topic during the last two years, report meta-analysis of the results, and discuss analysis methods and issues. Scanning the literature from 2021 to 2022 identified 21 papers, the majority of which were on population differences, including local adaptation and migration, but several papers were on genetic maps and their use in assembly scaffolding or analysis of quantitative trait loci, on the origin of incursions of pest insects, or on infection rates of a pathogen in a disease vector. The research reviewed includes 33 species from 25 families and 11 orders. Meta-analysis showed that less than 16%, and most often, less than 1% of the genome was implicated in local adaptation and that the number of adaptive loci correlated with genetic divergence among populations.