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Atlas Blue Butterfly Genome Reveals Record 229 Chromosomes

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Wellcome Sanger Institute researchers sequenced the Atlas blue butterfly genome, revealing the highest known chromosome count: 229 pairs.
Chromosomes split into smaller sections over more than three million years.
This chromosomal change may boost genetic diversity and adaptation but could raise extinction risk.
Findings were published in Current Biology, linking Atlas blue butterfly chromosomal changes to cancer research.

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Story summary

Wellcome Sanger Institute researchers sequenced the Atlas blue butterfly genome, revealing the highest known chromosome count: 229 pairs.
Chromosomes split into smaller sections over more than three million years.
This chromosomal change may boost genetic diversity and adaptation but could raise extinction risk.
Findings were published in Current Biology, linking Atlas blue butterfly chromosomal changes to cancer research.