We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Setina aurita (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1 256.12 megabases and 1 211.86 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.67%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome and a supernumerary B chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.44 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Boloria pales (Shepherd’s Fritillary; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Nymphalidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 382.99 megabases and 364.88 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.96%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.17 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,117 protein-coding genes.

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Pyrgus malvoides (Southern Grizzled Skipper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Hesperiidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 746.71 megabases and 747.11 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.8%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.41 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 14,715 protein-coding genes.

Abstract Twenty-five years ago, the book The Ecology of Adaptive Radiation by Dolph Schluter presented a testable framework that integrated ecology, genetics, and natural history to explain the mechanisms driving adaptive radiation, the rapid diversification of a single lineage into multiple species occupying distinct ecological niches. One important contribution was to re-orientate the study of adaptive radiation from macro- to microevolution, emphasizing processes and mechanisms rather than patterns, thereby reshaping how adaptive radiation is conceptualized and studied. In this review, we revisit questions raised in Schluter’s foundational work to evaluate progress over the past quarter-century, focusing on eight key questions, grouped under four main themes, that remain unresolved. We first discuss the role of opportunity and diversification in radiations: whether there are consistent stages of adaptive radiation, whether they undergo early bursts, and how can we measure and identify ecological opportunity that may initiate radiation. Turning to traits, we first discuss the genetic basis of adaptation, the role of evolvability in adaptive radiation, the stability of adaptive landscapes and how lineages cross adaptive valleys. Finally, we focus on the role of speciation in the context of adaptive radiation. In our suggestions for future directions in the field over the next 25 years, we highlight the need to deepen the taxonomic scope of adaptive radiation and to improve our knowledge of the molecular basis of adaptive radiation. We argue that we are only at the beginning of our understanding of the role of gene flow in generating novel genetic combinations and driving the formation of new species. We suggest that there is a need to shift from a retrospective focus to a predictive eco-evolutionary dynamics framework. Finally, we appeal for the need to further develop our understanding of the role of plasticity in adaptive radiation and the role that subtle differences in organismal traits might play in improving our comparative analyses.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Siona lineata (Black-veined Moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 390.00 megabases and 347.88 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.09%) is scaffolded into 29 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.62 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Polychrysia moneta (Golden Plusia; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 430.64 megabases and 425.60 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (98.46%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.26 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

Chromosomal fusions and fissions reshape karyotypes, recombination landscapes and patterns of speciation, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation remain poorly understood. Comparing 37 chromosome-level Erebia genomes, a butterfly genus with exceptionally high rates of chromosomal rearrangements, we identify more than 250 fusion and fission events and characterise over one hundred breakpoints. Breakpoints and homologous regions in the most closely related species with the unfused chromosomal state are significantly enriched for repetitive elements, particularly R1-like LINE retrotransposons. This provides evidence for the implication of a specific LINE family in inter-chromosomal rearrangements that promote species diversification. R1-like elements at breakpoints are longer than copies in other genomic regions, consistent with ectopic recombination requiring sufficient sequence length and similarity. However, the burst of rearrangements in the youngest and most species-rich Erebia clade does not coincide with increased R1-like activity, indicating that repeat dynamics does not solely account for the elevated rates of fusion and fission. Indeed, we detect lineage-specific gains and losses of genes involved in DNA repair and chromatin organisation that coincide with this burst, suggesting a genomic context that facilitates chromosomal fusions and fissions. Our findings refine the role of repetitive elements in inter-chromosomal rearrangements, identify a candidate substrate for ectopic recombination in Lepidoptera, and establish a framework for understanding how karyotypic diversity arises.

We present a genome assembly from afor high molecular weight female specimen of Erebia triaria (de Prunner’s Ringlet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Nymphalidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 521.30 megabases and 412.03 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.7%) is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z 1 , Z 2 , and W sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.26 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 14,057 protein-coding genes.

The genomic mechanisms underlying large-scale chromosomal rearrangements and their evolutionary consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we generated chromosome-level genomes for two sister species pairs of blind mole rats that differ in chromosome numbers. We identified five chromosome fusions during the divergence from a common ancestor (2n = 60). Three shared fusions gave rise to the Spalax galili (2n = 52)-S. golani (2n = 54) clade and accompanied its divergence from the S. carmeli (2n = 58)-S. judaei (2n = 60) clade. Both S. galili and S. carmeli further underwent an independent fusion. These fusions, facilitated by repetitive elements, were associated with changes in three-dimensional genome architecture. Notably, we found reduced gene flow near fusion points. Chromosomal fusions correlated with signatures of selection and may have become fixed through centromeric repeat expansion. Together, these findings provide a genome-wide framework for investigating how chromosomal fusions relate to genome organization and lineage divergence.

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Pyrgus serratulae (Olive Skipper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Hesperiidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 718.44 megabases and 764.21 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.4%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Most of haplotype 2 (93.51%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.42 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Spialia sertorius (Red-underwing Skipper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Hesperiidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 364.57 megabases and 323.91 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.92%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.34 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,823 protein-coding genes.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Zygaena exulans (Mountain Burnet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Zygaenidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 366.42 megabases and 337.56 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.82%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.61 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12 553 protein-coding genes. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Panemeria tenebrata (Small Yellow Underwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 956.79 megabases and 846.51 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.83%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Most of haplotype 2 (99.74%) is scaffolded into 29 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.43 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Aplocera praeformata (Purple Treble-bar; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 380.66 megabases and 380.72 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.91%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 17.22 kilobases.

We present a genome assembly from a male Cupido osiris (Osiris Blue; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 481.43 megabases and 479.83 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (98.72%) is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.36 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Colias thisoa (Menetries' Clouded Yellow; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pieridae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 398.28 megabases and 339.66 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.82%) is scaffolded into 33 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including W and Z sex chromosomes and a supernumerary B chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.14 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 14 651 protein-coding genes. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Autographa bractea (Gold Spangle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 412.45 megabases and 412.70 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.7%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.31 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13 179 protein-coding genes. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Zygaena purpuralis (Transparent Burnet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Zygaenidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 429.52 megabases and 399.58 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.91%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.45 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12 239 protein-coding genes. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies.

We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of Erebia sudetica (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Nymphalidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 486.94 megabases and 426.54 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (99.78%) is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Most of haplotype 2 (99.67%) is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 15.19 kilobases. This work is part of Project Psyche, a collaborative programme generating genomes for European butterflies and moths.

Abstract Holocentric chromosomes allow rapid genome changes through chromosomal rearrangements such as fissions, fusions, inversions or translocations. The plant genus Carex shows one of the highest rates of karyotypic evolution among holocentric organisms. We studied the genomic patterns underlying chromosomal rearrangements in the karyotypic radiation of the narrow endemic species Carex helodes (2n = 68-75). Comparing genome assemblies of C. helodes from the two karyologically distinct extremes of its European distribution, revealed a striking number of eight chromosomal rearrangements including fusions, translocations and inversions. Genomic breakpoints are gene-poor and TE-rich, corroborating findings in other species and suggesting common genomic characteristics that facilitate the evolution and establishment of chromosomal rearrangements. We identified a chromosomal inversion exhibiting patterns of purifying selection and enrichment in functional genes that potentially mediate rearrangement tolerance. Conversely, another inversion displayed elevated sequence divergence and enrichment in response to temperature stress and phosphate limitation, matching key environmental variables that differ between the study localities. The establishment of chromosomal rearrangements along Carex helodes European populations was likely driven by demographic bottlenecks and distinct genomic features at breakpoints. Our findings provide preliminary evidence on the rearrangement role in population differentiation either as reproductive barriers or as genomic islands of differentiation.