A chromosome-level genome assembly of the forked fungus beetle <i>Bolitotherus cornutus</i>, a model system for studying social evolution in the wild

The forked fungus beetle Bolitotherus cornutus has long served as a model organism for the study of population ecology, behavior, chemical ecology, and natural selection in the wild. Today, it has become one of the best model systems for the understanding of social evolution and group selection. To understand the mechanistic drivers of group selection and its ultimate evolutionary consequences, it is crucial to begin studying these traits at the molecular level. Here, we take the first necessary step towards these goals by producing a chromosome-level genome assembly for this species. Using a combination of PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technologies, we produce a 196 Mb genome assembly with ten major chromosomal scaffolds as well as an assembled mitochondrial genome. We also provide a carefully curated annotation of 12,459 protein-coding genes. The quality and completeness of these resources present essential tools for future genetic and genomic studies of B. cornutus.