New reference genome assembly for the declining American Bumble Bee, Bombus pensylvanicus

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Entomology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Bombus pensylvanicus, a native pollinator, has experienced significant range and abundance declines.
• Understanding genetic variation is crucial for addressing bumble bee decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first chromosome-level genome assembly for Bombus pensylvanicus.
• To provide a valuable genomic resource for studying bumble bee decline and evolution.

Main Methods:

• Genome assembly using Pacific Biosciences single-molecule HiFi sequences and Hi-C data.
• Annotation with the Eukaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline - External (EGAPx) and RNA sequencing.
• BUSCO analysis for genome completeness assessment.

Main Results:

• A chromosome-level genome assembly of approximately 352.6 Mb with 19 primary pseudomolecules.
• Identification of 11,411 genes, with high genome and protein completeness (98.5% and 99.0% respectively).
• Synteny analyses with other Bombus genomes and examination of repetitive element distribution.

Conclusions:

• The B. pensylvanicus genome assembly is a high-quality resource for future research.
• This genome will facilitate studies on the genetic basis of bumble bee decline.
• Comparative genomics can reveal evolutionary insights within the Bombus genus.