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The genome sequence of the dark-edged bee fly, Bombylius major (Linnaeus, 1758)
Mara K N Lawniczak1, Liam M Crowley2, Erica McAlister3
1Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, UK.
Abstract:
We present a genome assembly from an individual male Bombylius major (the dark-edged bee fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Bombyliidae). The genome sequence is 304.3 megabases in span. The whole assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.8 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,852 protein coding genes.
Insights
We present the genome assembly for Bombylius major, the dark-edged bee fly. This research provides a foundational genomic resource for Diptera, including 10,852 protein-coding genes.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Arthropoda
- Insecta
- Diptera
Background:
- The Bombyliidae family, commonly known as bee flies, represents a diverse group of insects with significant ecological roles.
- Understanding the genetic makeup of Bombylius major is crucial for evolutionary and ecological studies within Diptera.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a high-quality genome assembly for an individual male Bombylius major.
- To provide a foundational genomic resource for the Bombyliidae family and the order Diptera.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of an individual male Bombylius major.
- Scaffolding the genome assembly into chromosomal pseudomolecules, including sex chromosomes.
- Assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genome.
- Gene annotation using the Ensembl platform.
Main Results:
- A genome assembly spanning 304.3 megabases was generated.
- The assembly is organized into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, encompassing the X and Y sex chromosomes.
- The mitochondrial genome was assembled to a length of 17.8 kilobases.
- A total of 10,852 protein-coding genes were identified through annotation.
Conclusions:
- This study delivers a comprehensive genome assembly for Bombylius major, a significant contribution to insect genomics.
- The annotated genome provides a valuable resource for future research into the evolution, behavior, and ecology of bee flies and related Diptera species.

