PCR primers for polymorphic microsatellite loci in the plant‐ant Azteca ulei cordiae (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae)

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated from the Peruvian tropical plant‐ant, Azteca ulei cordiae (Hymenoptera: Dolichoderinae). High levels of within‐population variation were observed at most loci, with number of alleles ranging from four to 18, and heterozygosity from 0.118 to 1 per population sample. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was also successfully tested in several other species of the same ant genus Azteca.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in the tropical plant‐ant Cataulacus mckeyi (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

Eleven microsatellite loci were isolated from the plant‐ant Cataulacus mckeyi (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) and their polymorphism was characterized. High levels of within‐population variation were observed at most loci, with number of alleles ranging from one to 16, and heterozygosity from 0 to 0.929 per population sample. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was also tested in four other species of the ant genus Cataulacus.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in the castration parasite plant‐ant Allomerus octoarticulatus cf. demerarae (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

Fifteen microsatellite loci were isolated from the Peruvian tropical plant‐ant Allomerus octoarticulatus cf. demerarae (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) and their polymorphism was characterized. High levels of within‐population variation were observed at most loci, with number of alleles ranging from one to 21, and heterozygosity from 0 to 1 per population sample. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was also tested in one other species of the ant genus Allomerus (Allomerus decemarticulatus), displaying similar life history.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Six microsatellite loci were isolated from the bruchid Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Each locus was polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from 3 to 18. We found high levels of within‐population variation at most loci, with heterozygosities ranging from 0 to 0.75. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was tested in two other species of the genus Acanthoscelides, A. obvelatus Bridwell and A. argillaceus Sharp.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Acanthoscelides obvelatus Bridwell (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Five microsatellite loci were isolated from the bruchid Acanthoscelides obvelatus Bridwell (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Each locus was polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from two to 15. We found high levels of within‐population variation at most loci, with heterozygosity ranging from 0.182 to 0.900. Cross‐species amplification of these loci was tested in two other species of the genus Acanthoscelides, A. obtectus Say and A. argillaceus Sharp.     

Isolation and characterization of five microsatellite loci in Dolichopoda cave crickets (Orthoptera Rhaphidophoridae)

Five microsatellite loci are described for the cave cricket genus Dolichopoda. Preliminary data on allelic variation of these loci are presented for one population of D. schiavazzii and one population of D. laetitiae to test their usefulness in fine‐scale studies of the genetic aspect of cave colonization. Cross‐species amplifications were carried out in four other Dolichopoda species and in two species belonging to another cave cricket genus (Troglophilus) to test the potential use of these microsatellite markers in studies of both congeneric species and species belonging to the same family.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the orchid Serapias vomeracea (Orchidaceae) and cross‐priming to other Serapias species

In this paper we describe the isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci from the orchid Serapias vomeracea. This species is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. Microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched library and primer pairs were designed for 18 loci. Primer pairs for six loci amplified well and were tested on samples from southern Italy. Levels of genetic variability detected at these six loci are high, with numbers of alleles per locus ranging from 3 to 6, and observed heterozygosity (H_O) ranging from 0.35 to 0.86. All primer pairs tested amplified DNA from four other Serapias species, indicating that the primers are useful for population genetic studies throughout the genus.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the polychaete tubeworm Hobsonia florida

Eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Hobsonia florida, a tube‐dwelling ampharetid polychaete. The identified loci were highly polymorphic, with allelic diversity ranging from six to 11 alleles. Levels of expected heterozygosity were 0.52 or greater in all cases, averaging 0.78 across the complete set of loci. Cross‐species amplification was successful in three of the eight loci for one or both of the other species (Melinna cristata and Ampharete acutifrons) tested. Although these novel loci were designed for immediate utility in H. florida population‐level research, these results indicate they may prove useful in studies of other related taxa.     

Identification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the mud crab Scylla serrata (Brachyura: Portunidae)

Five microsatellite loci are identified and characterized from the genome of Scylla serrata, a widespread and commercially important species of coastal marine crab. The loci were detected by randomly screening for di‐ and tri‐nucleotide repeat units within a partial genomic library developed for the species. The five loci consist of dinucleotide repeats and are both co‐dominant and polymorphic within the species. A sample (N = 36) of S. serrata from one Australian population has an average observed heterozygosity of 0.875 and provides no evidence of either linkage among loci or significant deviation from random mating expectations across loci. PCR products for each of the five loci were also observed from a small sample of three other species within the Scylla genus. These markers may provide genetic information that will be useful for both aquaculture and studies of natural populations of the genus.     

Microsatellites loci isolated in the freshwater fish Brycon hilarii

We describe seven microsatellite loci, including tetra‐, tri‐ and dinucleotides, isolated from Brycon hilarii, which is a migratory fish inhabiting the Paraguay River basin (Brazil) and is highly valued for its meat quality. Three to eight alleles per locus were detected and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 0.81. Positive results were obtained with cross‐amplification in five other species of Brycon. These microsatellites provide a potential tool for wild population and aquaculture studies of B. hilarii and other species of the genus.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Lutjanus argentimaculatus, also called mangrove red snapper, is a commercially important fish in East Asia. A proper understanding of population structure is primarily linked with the management of genetic resources in exploiting marine fisheries. Herein, seven microsatellite loci, which showed high polymorphism (observed heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.3571 to 0.7857 and expected heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.6236 to 0.8821), were isolated and characterized from L. argentimaculatus. Cross‐species amplifications also indicate that primers designed for these loci may be useful for further studies about other closely phylogenetic species of the family Lutjanidae.     

Utility of a set of microsatellite primers developed for the massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) for population genetic studies of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

I tested six microsatellite DNA primer pairs developed for the massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) on a sample population of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). It had been speculated in a previous publication that cross‐species amplification would not be worthwhile across the two rattlesnake genera. However, for this primer set (the only one currently published for the genus Sistrurus), successful amplification at each locus was accomplished for all loci with an annealing temperature of 57 °C and locus‐specific buffer conditions. Each locus was polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to 12. Significant heterozygote deficits were detected for three loci (Scu01, Scu05 and Scu07). For Scu01, all individuals were homozygous for the same allele except one female who was homozygous for a different allele. This same female was also homozygous for a rare allele at Scu07. When this female was removed from the data set, the number of observed heterozygotes at Scu01 and Scu07 did not differ significantly from random expectations. However, a large heterozygote deficit persisted at Scu05 (despite subsampling), suggesting that this locus may not be useful for population genetic studies of timber rattlesnakes. Despite some limitations, this set of primers may be a useful complement to those already developed for the genus Crotalus. Moreover, the results of this study seem to provide new justification for further studies of cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci across the two rattlesnake genera.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Lesquerella fendleri (Brassicaceae) and cross‐species amplification

Fifteen novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Lesquerella fendleri, which were developed from seven dinucleotide, five trinucleotide and three tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci. These loci were characterized for 40 individuals from 24 localities throughout the species range. The number of alleles observed per locus ranged from three to 16, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.175 to 0.750, and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.218 to 0.889. Cross‐species transferability tested on nine species of Lesquerella and one species of the related genus Physaria indicates that these primer pairs may be useful for population genetic studies of other species in Lesquerella and possibly other closely related genera.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in wheat stem sawfly Cephus cinctus and cross‐species amplification in related species

The wheat stem sawfly is an important insect pest of wheat that can cause significant damage to yield and grain quality. Five microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, to facilitate future population genetic studies and help delineate their geographical origin. These loci were found to be polymorphic with an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.304 to 0.937 and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.05 to 0.65. Successful cross‐species amplification demonstrates the potential for these markers to provide a valuable tool for future population studies among related Cephus species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)

Eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides). Analysis of 30 individuals showed the number of alleles ranged from four to 21 with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.300 to 0.833, and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.437 to 0.932. Cross‐species amplification was tested in four other cetacean species. These microsatellite markers would be valuable tools for population genetic studies of finless porpoises and other cetacean species.     

Isolation and characterization of di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the yellow‐spotted night lizard Lepidophyma flavimaculatum (Squamata: Xantusiidae)

We report the development of 17 di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in the Yellow‐Spotted Night Lizard Lepidophyma flavimaculatum. Levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 100%. Several loci also amplify in other Lepidophyma species and several species of the sister genus Xantusia. High levels of variation at some loci indicate that they will be useful for parentage assessment and population genetic studies, whereas the 15 loci that amplify across multiple Lepidophyma species suggest these will be useful in determining the origin of parthenogenetic populations.     

Characterization of microsatellite markers in the endangered Sinojackia xylocarpa (Styracaceae) and cross‐species amplification in closely related taxa

Twenty‐four polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from an AAG‐enriched genomic library of Sinojackia xylocarpa. The average allele number of these microsatellites was 3.3 per locus, ranging from two to seven. The observed and expected heterozygosities at population level were 0.10–0.83 and 0.10–1.00, respectively. In addition, successful cross‐species amplification of this set of microsatellites in three other species of Sinojackia and a closely related taxon, Changiostyrax dolichocarpa, suggested that this set of microsatellite markers should provide a useful tool for genetic and conservation studies of Sinojackia species and other closely related taxa in the Styracaceae.     

Microsatellite primers for the African mole‐rat genus Cryptomys and cross‐species amplification within the family Bathyergidae

We report 11 microsatellite loci for the African mole‐rat genus Cryptomys (Rodentia: Bathyergidae), isolated from the Damaraland mole‐rat (Cryptomys damarensis) and the Common mole‐rat (C. hottentotus hottentotus). All loci are highly polymorphic in the source species, with between six and 13 alleles and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.54 to 0.86. Two C. damarensis loci (DMR1 and 6) may be located on the X‐chromosome. Cross‐species amplification was investigated in 10 Bathyergid species, representative of the five genera. The majority of loci amplified polymorphic product in all Cryptomys species tested. Amplification was also widespread in the other genera, except in Heterocephalus.     

Development and characterization of the first microsatellite markers in the mangrove species Pelliciera rhizophorae Triana & Planchon

Pelliciera rhizophorae is a unique Neotropical mangrove species belonging to Pelliciera genus. We isolated eight microsatellite loci from this species. All loci were polymorphic and showed three to nine alleles per locus in Colombian Pacific and Caribbean populations. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.46 to 0.69. Two loci (PeRh‐14 and PeRh‐19) showed null alleles on the Caribbean coast, which suggest genetic differentiation between Pacific and Caribbean populations of P. rhizophorae. Development of these microsatellite loci constitutes a new molecular tool to carry out studies in the genome of the species and to evaluate its population dynamics.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from three species of swallows in the genus Tachycineta: T. albilinea, T. bicolor and T. leucorrhoa

We describe 30 microsatellite loci developed from three species of swallows in the genus Tachycineta: T. bicolor (tree swallow), T. albilinea (mangrove swallow), and T. leucorrhoa (white‐rumped swallow). These commonly studied birds nest in secondary cavities and are distributed from Alaska to Argentina. Primer pairs were designed for each species individually and tested for cross‐amplification in 40–48 individuals of all three species. Polymorphism ranged from 5 to 65 alleles per locus (mean = 19.1). These markers will allow comparative studies of extra‐pair paternity rates among members of the genus as well as the assessment of population structure.