Long-Read Genome Sequencing and Assembly of : A Specialist Parasitoid.

(Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a specialist parasitoid of The system has emerged as a suitable model for understanding several aspects of host-parasitoid biology. However, a good quality genome of the wasp counterpart was lacking. Here, we report a whole-genome assembly of to bring it in the scope of the applied and fundamental research on parasitoids with access to epigenomics and genome editing tools. The 375Mb draft genome has an N50 of 275Kb with 6315 scaffolds >500bp and encompasses >95% complete BUSCOs. Using a combination of and RNA-Seq based methods, 25259 protein-coding genes were predicted and 90% (22729) of them could be annotated with at least one function. We demonstrate the quality of the assembled genome by recapitulating the phylogenetic relationship of with other Hymenopterans. The key developmental regulators like Hox genes and sex determination genes are well conserved in , and so is the basic toolkit for epigenetic regulation. The search for epigenetic regulators has also revealed that genome possesses DNMT1 (maintenance DNA methyltransferase), DNMT2 (tRNA methyltransferase) but lacks the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3). Also, the heterochromatin protein 1 family appears to have expanded as compared to other hymenopterans. The draft genome of (Lb17) will expedite the research on parasitoids. This genome resource and early indication of epigenetic aspects in its specialization make it an interesting system to address a variety of questions on host-parasitoid biology.