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Genomics

Genome Assembly of Flame Carpet Moth Reveals 12,291 Protein-Coding Genes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists from the Natural History Museum in London, UK, have successfully assembled a genome from a female Flame Carpet moth (Xanthorhoe designata). The research, supported by the Wellcome Trust, has shed light on the moth's genetic makeup, with the assembly of 351.47 megabases, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled and measures 17.55 kilobases in length. This breakthrough is part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which aims to produce reference genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Key Takeaways:

  • The genome assembly of the Flame Carpet moth consists of 351.47 megabases, with 99.45% of the assembly scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
  • The research identified 12,291 protein-coding genes in the genome assembly, with gene annotation provided on Ensembl.
  • The assembly process was conducted as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, a comprehensive effort to produce reference genomes for eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland.
  • The Flame Carpet moth genome is a significant contribution to the scientific community, providing researchers with a valuable resource for studying the genetics of this species.
  • The project highlights the importance of understanding the genetic diversity of eukaryotic species, with potential applications in fields such as conservation, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

Statistics:

  • The genome assembly of the Flame Carpet moth measures 351.47 megabases in length.
  • The assembly is composed of 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, accounting for 99.45% of the genome.
  • The mitochondrial genome is 17.55 kilobases in length.
  • The research identified 12,291 protein-coding genes in the genome assembly.

Sources:

  • Victoria, 2025. The genome sequence of the Flame Carpet moth, Xanthorhoe designata (Hufnagel, 1767) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. Wellcome Open Research.
  • NewsRx. New Science and Technology Study Results from Natural History Museum Described [The genome sequence of the Flame Carpet moth, Xanthorhoe designata (Hufnagel, 1767) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]]. Science Letter. October 31, 2025; p 1467.

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