Chromosome-level genome assembly of Dynastes reidi reveals structural evolution of autosomes and the sex chromosomes in Hercules beetles.

ABSTRACT: The Hercules beetles have long been iconic symbols of evolutionary diversification, sexual selection, and systematics. Despite their rapid phenotypic evolution and a rich history of inspiring evolutionary biologists, genomic resources for these charismatic beetles remain limited, especially for the Giant Hercules beetles. We present the first chromosome-level genome assembly of a Giant Hercules beetle from the Lesser Antilles. The assembled genome is approximately 837 Mb in size, with a scaffold N50 of 66.68 Mb, which can be anchored to 11 pseudochromosomes with a BUSCO completeness score of 95.9%. An estimate of 55.5% of the genome can be attributed to repetitive elements. Additionally, we detected candidate sex-linked chromosomes by comparing sequencing read depths between 1 male and 2 f

SUBMITTER: Le MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12611238 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature