 and gene predictions are finalized, the community analysis will begin in earnest. Members of the vector community and wider genomics research community interested in the comparative analyses are invited to contact the project organizers. Major analysis themes will include speciation, molecular evolution, chemoreception, circadian rhythm, development, immunity, insecticide resistance, metabolism, repetitive elements, reproduction, the sialome, inversions and chromosomal architectures, neuropeptides, blood/sugar digestion, and transcriptional regulation.

The success of these analyses will depend in part on the accuracy and completeness of the gene predictions for each species. The quality of the gene predictions will in turn depend largely on the contiguity and completeness of the *de novo* assemblies. For some applications, *de novo* assemblies may not be necessary if a closely related taxon has already been sequenced. However, the lack of species-specific assemblies can potentially bias comparative analyses against discovery of those genome regions that are most dynamic and interesting. Although there is appreciation in the research community of the significant value of producing quality *de novo* assemblies for previously unsequenced species, there is less awareness that producing such assemblies remains a technically difficult task, or that the research and development costs associated with assembling genomes with a novel architecture can nullify the low cost of raw NGS data.

In our experience, a readily available DNA sample and cheap sequencing are necessary but insufficient ingredients for the success of sequencing projects that aim to produce *de novo* assemblies. A source of high-quality template must be provided, sometimes in large quantities, and potentially manipulated to reduce heterozygosity. Therefore, the support of the research community is crucial. Innovation in sequencing and assembly approaches will be necessary, drawing from expertise largely found in sequencing centers. Finally, experienced 