De novo genome assembly of the endemic Italian springtail Orchesella dallaii (Collembola: Orchesellidae)

Springtails (Collembola) constitute one of the most diverse and ecologically important groups of basal hexapods, yet remain significantly underrepresented in genomic databases. In this study, we present the first genome assembly of Orchesella dallaii, an Italian endemic species, representing a crucial advancement in expanding genomic resources for Collembola. Utilizing PacBio HiFi sequencing combined with an ultra-low input library preparation, we generated a highly contiguous genome assembly (223 contigs covering 304 Mb) that ranks among the most complete ones within the group. Genome annotation, supported by short-read RNA-seq data, predicted 31,769 genes with high completeness. The analysis of repeated sequences revealed a comparatively low abundance of annotated transposable elements. Additionally, the entire mitochondrial genome was assembled and annotated, confirming the gene order characteristic of the Entomobryomorpha lineage. This genomic resource provides a valuable reference for an often-overlooked taxonomic group and offers a basis for future research in comparative genomics, species delimitation, and conservation genetics of Mediterranean soil ecosystems.