2nd Place: D3101: Comparative genomics of Anax (Odonata: Aeshnidae)

Anax strenuus, a non-migratory species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands; Anax junius, a widespread migratory species with a relatively large geographic range; and Anax walsinghami, a non-migratory species with a relatively small geographic range in North and Central America, form a monophyletic clade. This clade forms a natural laboratory to study the evolution of genes that might be involved in insect migration. We want to compare migratory behaviors and geographic range sizes to the evolution of muscle genes that drive flight. However, only a few genetic data on Odonata have been published. A genome for an individual from the genus Anax has yet to be sequenced. Our research is to sequence a high-quality reference genome of Anax junius, Anax strenuus, and Anax walsinghami. We also provide some insight regarding the evolution of muscle genes in the group.