The reference genome of the Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp, Lepidurus packardi

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the scaffold-level assembled genome for the federally endangered, California endemic crustacean Lepidurus packardi (the Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp). L. packardi is a key food source for other conserved California species including the California Tiger Salamander Ambystoma californiense. It faces significant habitat loss and fragmentation as vernal pools are threatened by urbanization, agricultural conversion, and climate change. This resource represents the first scaffold-level genome of any Lepidurus species. The assembled genome spans 108.6 Mbps, with 6 chromosome-length scaffolds comprising 71% of total genomic length and 444 total contigs. The BUSCO score for this genome is 97.3%, suggesting a high level of completeness. We produced a predicted gene set for this species trained on the Daphnia magna set of genes and predicted 17,650 genes. These tools can aid researchers in understanding the evolution and adaptive potential of alternative reproductive modes within this species.