Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World Screwworm Fly, is an obligate parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, feeding on living tissues and causing severe myiasis. Its genome is considerably big, having a high level of repetitive DNA. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4 Authors: Lucía Martí, Alba Paniagua, Lukas Robertson, Paula Vera
Phylum: Arthropoda
Coconut rhinoceros beetle
The coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the biggest beetles yet found, with an enormous horn. This horn is the reason for its name. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-022-08628-z June/07/2022 Authors: Lucía Ramos Sapena, Ángela Reinón Miguel, María Villena Jiménez
Anemone sea spider
Pycnogonum litorale, the anemone sea spider, is a small marine pycnogonid (sister group to all other chelicerates) with a vestigial opisthosoma (abdomen) and a proboscis. Its genome reveals information about the evolution of the body plan and genomic structure of chelicerates. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02276-x — July/02/2025 Authors: Alba Burgos Renedo, Pablo Caldera Morante, Marc Hormigo Zambrano, Jose…
Atlantic horseshoe crab
Limulus polyphemus, the Atlantic horseshoe crab, is a marine arthropod considered a “living fossil” extending back approximately 450 million years. The blood color is blue due to the presence of hemocyanin and contains amoebocytes, used to detect toxins. Its genome presents specific duplications of genes related to innate immunity. https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-217X-3-9, 05/14/2014 Author: Guillem Dachs Margarit
Wasp spider
The wasp spider is a large orb-weaving spider with striking colors, freaturing black and white bands on a yellow abdomen. Females are much larger than males. It is commonly found in meadows, fields and along roadsides throughout Europe. It builds large circular webs that include a zig-zag shaped band called stabilimentum, whose function is still…
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García
Jewel wasp
Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitic wasp species used as a model organism in evolutionary genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding insect genetics, development, and parasitic relationships. 10.1126/science.1178028 (Jan 15, 2010)
American lobster
Homarus americanus, the American lobster, is a commercially important crustacean species. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding lobster biology, fisheries management, and conservation efforts. 10.1126/sciadv.abe8290 (Jun 23, 2021)
Domestic silkworm
Bombyx mori, the silkworm, is a domesticated insect species used for silk production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding silk production, insect genetics, and developing transgenic silkmoth strains. 10.1093/dnares/11.1.27 (Feb 1, 2004)
Honey bee
Apis mellifera, the western honeybee, plays a crucial role in pollination and honey production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding bee biology, behavior, and factors affecting bee health. 10.1038/nature05260 (Oct 26, 2006)