# ERGA-BGE Genome of Ailoscolex lacteospumosus Bouché, 1969 – the enigmatic milky worm endemic to the Pyrenees

## TL;DR

This paper presents the genome of Ailoscolex lacteospumosus, a rare earthworm species from the Pyrenees, to study its evolution and conservation.

## Contribution

The paper provides a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for a rare and evolutionarily significant earthworm species.

## Key findings

- The genome assembly includes 17 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules totaling 493 Mb.
- The assembly has high contig and scaffold N50 values of 15.1 Mb and 29.9 Mb, respectively.
- The genome will aid in understanding the evolution and conservation of this endemic earthworm species.

## Abstract

Ailoscolex lacteospumosus represents one of the basal taxa of the earthworm family Hormogastridae and was initially placed in a different family, Ailoscolecidae, including just this species. Its genome can help unravel the evolution of this earthworm family, which is endemic to the Mediterranean and adapted to soils exposed to adverse conditions such as prolonged droughts. This species presents a very restricted distribution, endemic to the Pyrenees, and the genome will help study its conservation status as well as provide insights into earthworm evolution. A total of 17 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules were assembled from the genome sequence. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 493 Mb, composed of 46 contigs and 24 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 15.1 Mb and 29.9 Mb, respectively.