Microsatellite markers in soil‐feeding termites (Cubitermes subarquatus,Isoptera, Termitidae,Termitinae)

Seven microsatellite markers were isolated from Cubitermes subarquatus belonging to the soil‐feeding termite trophic group that plays a key role in tropical rain forests. A variability study performed by using a population of C. subarquatus (n = 73) sampled in the La Lopé forest reserve (Gabon) from 42 nests revealed from 4 to 12 alleles per locus and an heterozygosity from 0.28 to 0.84. Tests for cross‐species amplification realized in the sympatric C. intercalatus and in eight other sympatric termite genera indicated a wider application of the primers isolated from Cubitermes in soil‐feeding termites.