Darwin Tree of Life
@darwintreelife
Generating genomes for 70,000 species of animals, plants, fungi and protists in Britain & Ireland. Engage with us by tagging us and commenting!
The Puss Moth was the 1,500th species sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project - learn more about this collaborative effort: darwintreeoflife.org Our partners include @sangerinstitute @OxfordBiology @NHM_Science @RBGE_Science and more.
This small Grey Willow bush has been a reliable spot for Puss Moth caterpillars in the past, and yesterday once again it had plenty of action! At least 10 of these beauties were chomping away on the leaves, a couple already wonderfully big and plump at the final instar stage
"It began with butterflies". Celebrating #BigButterflyCount with this blog from 2023 featuring sampling partner @BordersForest. darwintreeoflife.org/news_item/bord… @savebutterflies
A fruitful sampling trip to @Natures_Voice RSPB site The Lodge Nature Reserve resulted in some beautiful Lepidoptera photos. Have you read the latest blog about butterfly and moth genomes by project partner Wellcome @sangerinstitute? sangerinstitute.blog/2025/07/18/ten… 📸Luke Lithgoe



Brilliant article pn Marine Biological Association 'Snapshots in time: the darwin tree of life project.' Museum scientist, Inez Januszczak describes coordinating a biodiversity sampling trip to Alderney.@darwintreelife mymba.mba.ac.uk/resource/snaps…
🌟New sampling story in the latest issue of 'The Marine Biologist' magazine. Sharing exciting visuals, @NHM_Science staff Inez Januszczak wrote all about the trials and joys of coordinating a sampling trip to the Channel Islands. Read on ⤵️ mymba.mba.ac.uk/resource/snaps… @EBPgenome
💵 Are fees preventing you from participating in research meetings or training? #PhDchat We provide #bursaries and carers' grants to support our scientists to access our #genomics courses and conferences. 🔍Discover more about our support options ➡️shorturl.at/YXLVH
Are you taking part in the #BigButterflyCount this year, or are you a butterfly fan all year round? Our latest blog dives into the DNA of butterflies and moths seen and sequenced here on Campus. Learn some fun facts about these colourful creatures ⤵️ sangerinstitute.blog/2025/07/18/ten…
Abstract extension for #Biodiversity25 ⚡ You have until 28 July to submit insights from your #eukaryotic genome studies using genome reference resources. Showcase your work within an open and collaborative forum for global #biodiversity researchers. 📎bit.ly/4k0Jug4
Read more about the Orca genome, where collaborators sequenced the DNA from a blood sample to generate the first-ever platinum-grade Orca genome. wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/7-250 #WorldOrcaDay
Today is the final day to register for the Understanding Life conference happening in October. Join in-person, or remotely. @EBPgenome projects highlighted will include @bat1kgenomes (which the Darwin Tree of Life project has contributed to) and lots of other great sessions.

Our project proudly partnered with experts from the Vertebrate Genome Project, @sangerinstitute, @NOAA, and others to produce 'platinum level' reference genomes into the hands of researchers studying cetaceans. Key sample collection partners: @strandings & @UofGlasgow
(1/2) 🌍🐋 EBP-affiliates are making waves with 18 high-quality reference genomes for whales and dolphins! 🐬 Dive into the details with lead author Phillip Morin to explore how these genomes are advancing research into the health, evolution, taxonomy, adaptation, and critical…
(2/2) 🌍 EBP genomes are often the first—and only—reference genomes available for a species. These foundational resources open doors to discovery, conservation, and innovation across the Tree of Life. 🌍🧬 For instance, the @darwintreelife and @sangerinstitute sequenced this bat…