Genome

We received ARRA funds from the NIH to generate a high depth sequence of the monarch butterfly genome using a combination of state-of-the-art "next generation" sequencing technologies, and then to appropriately assemble, annotate and interpret the genome. A sequenced and fully annotated genome is critical in the effort to develop the monarch butterfly as a model organism to study the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock and sun compass orientation used during migration. The draft genome can be found here.