Genome size estimates in Neuropterida

Evolution of genome size has remained an enigma for the past half century. There is no current model for evolution that can accurately predict the genome size of a new species. A large hurdle to overcome in addressing this problem is data acquisition. Very few species have a genome estimate, and these include less than .05% of Arthropoda. Genome size estimates were obtained for a variety of species within Neuropterida, providing data for future sequencing projects and for comparative analysis of evolutionary effects within the clade. Samples were obtained from field collecting around Texas. Genome size estimates will be used in future projects to detect correlations between genome size, phylogeny, and morphological factors. An abundance of genome estimates aids development of a working model of genome size evolution and aids selection of species of interest for transcriptome analysis and complete sequencing efforts.