Genome assembly and annotation with short and long read transcriptomics of Automeris io

Automeris moths are a morphologically diverse group of saturniid moths with a range that spans between the New World temperate zone to the Neotropics and includes 135 described species (Lemaire). Automeris io, the Io moth, is the most widely studied species within the genus. Io moths are known for their striking eyespots located on their hindwings. These eyespots are thought to deter or pause potential predators, allowing the moth time to escape. Many Automeris species have eyespots on their hindwings, but some lack them or have vestigial ones, suggesting that this trait may provide a selective benefit. Though the molecular development of eyespots has been researched in Automeris io, there has yet to be a fully annotated genome for this species. Genomic research is needed to address questions involving anti-predatory defenses and eyespot pattern development. A high-quality annotated genome will provide support for such research. BUSCO analysis for this genome shows a completeness of 98.4%, and N50 of 15.