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Butterfly and moth genomes unchanged for 250 million years
New understanding about the evolution of butterflies and moths is expected to inform future conservation efforts.
Their chromosomes remain the same despite 160,000 diverse species.

An analysis of butterfly and moth genomes has revealed that their chromosomes remain largely unchanged since their last common ancestor, over 250 million years ago.

The findings highlight key insights into their biology, evolution and diversification, and could inform future conservation efforts.

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, analysed over 200 high-quality chromosome-level genomes to understand their evolutionary history.

They identified a genetic stability across the samples, despite the diversity in wing patterns, size and caterpillar form across over 160,000 species globally.

They also discovered rare groups of butterfly and moth species which broke from these genetic norms, and underwent genetic rearrangements. This included chromosome fusions, where two chromosomes merge, and chromosome fissions, where a chromosome splits.

These findings highlight the constraints which govern the genome evolution of these ecologically vital insects. It also offers insights into the factors which enable some species to defy these rules of evolution.

New understanding about the evolution of butterflies and moths is expected to better inform future conservation efforts, supporting the creation of targeted strategies, monitoring of ecosystem health, adapting to climate change, and incorporating of genetic information into other conservation initiatives.

The work forms part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project, which aims to sequence all 70,000 species in Great Britain and Ireland.

It also contributes to ongoing studies, as researchers aim to identify the processes which drive the evolution of chromosomes in these diverse species.

Charlotte Wright, the first author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “It is striking that despite species diversifying extensively, their chromosomes have remained remarkably intact. This challenges the idea that stable chromosomes may limit species diversification.

“Indeed, this feature might be a base for building diversity. We hope to find clues in rare groups that have evaded these rules.”

The full study can be found in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Image © Shutterstock

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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News Shorts
Farmer survey to reveal on-farm impact of bluetongue

A nationwide survey has been launched to better understand how the bluetongue virus is affecting UK farms.

Results will inform the support that farmers receive for bluetongue, as well as preparing the livestock industry for the future.

The short online survey is open to all livestock farmers, regardless of whether they've had a confirmed case of bluetongue on their farm. It asks how many animals have been affected, the severity of their clinical signs and how it has impacted farm business.

The survey takes five minutes to complete and is fully anonymous.

It is led by Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham.

Dr Lovatt says: "We need to find out what level of clinical signs farmers are seeing in their animals, whether they are experiencing mortality with BTV-3 cases, and what their appetite is to vaccinate in future for bluetongue serotype 3."

The survey can be found here.