Identification of microsatellite loci in Collinsia verna (Veronicaceae)

We developed eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for Collinsia verna (Veronicaceae). In a sample of 18–35 individuals from a single population, we found two to 15 alleles per locus (mean 8.3). We also tested these loci for cross‐amplification in all 22 species in the tribe Collinseae. Overall, more than half the species in the tribe amplified one microsatellite while three species most closely related to C. verna (Collinsia violacea, Collinsia parviflora and Collinsia grandiflora) amplified multiple microsatellite loci. These microsatellite loci will be used in future studies of mating system in this tribe and other quantitative genetic and population genetic studies.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris and their utility in other steppe birds

New microsatellite loci for Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris were isolated from a genomic library. We were able to unambiguously score six loci: two were dinucleotide, one trinucleotide, two tetranucleotide and one pentanucleotide that turned out to be sex-linked. Four out of six loci were polymorphic with 7–23 alleles in our population and an observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.286 and 0.936. Cross-utility of these markers was tested in other 17 steppe-bird species of six families. In addition, 16 microsatellite loci developed for other species were tested for cross-species amplification in A. campestris. Eight microsatellite markers were successfully amplified; seven of them were polymorphic with 2–43 alleles and an observed heterozygosity of 0.040–0.863. Overall, 14 functional locus markers have been characterized for A. campestris that could be useful for future studies of paternity, genetic variability and population structure.     

Microsatellite loci for the greater horseshoe bat,Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Rhinolophidae,Chiroptera) and their cross‐utility in 17 other bat species

We have isolated 14 polymorphic greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum microsatellite loci. The number of alleles varied from two to 12 in 58 individuals. These loci will be used to assign paternity in order to characterize patterns of breeding and reproductive success in a wild R. ferrumequinum population. Loci were also tested in 17 other bat species. Twelve loci cross‐amplified in other species and three loci were polymorphic in all eight Rhinolophus species tested.     

Microsatellite markers characterized in the barn owl (Tyto alba) and of high utility in other owls (Strigiformes: AVES)

We have identified 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the barn owl (Tyto alba), five from testing published owl loci and 10 from testing non‐owl loci, including loci known to be of high utility in passerines and shorebirds. All 15 loci were sequenced in barn owl, and new primer sets were designed for eight loci. The 15 polymorphic loci displayed two to 26 alleles in 56–58 barn owls. When tested in 10 other owl species (n = 1–6 individuals), between four and nine loci were polymorphic per species. These loci are suitable for studies of population structure and parentage in owls.     

Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci from Ceratopetalum apetalum (Cunoniaceae)

We identified 16 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci from an AG-enriched library of Ceratopetalum apetalum. These loci were tested across two populations of C. apetalum, a single population of C. gummiferum and representatives of four other congeneric taxa. Fourteen loci were identified as polymorphic in at least one other species. These microsatellites will be used to look at population dynamics of species with varying distributions and presumed low dispersal capabilities within the genus Ceratopetalum.     

Microsatellite DNA markers for Podocnemis unifilis,the endangered yellow‐spotted Amazon River turtle

We developed specific primers for microsatellite DNA regions of Podocnemis unifilis and tested their utility in population genetic and paternity studies on the species and other closely related Amazonian chelonians. Seventeen microsatellite loci were polymorphic in P. unifilis and all, plus two monomorphic microsatellites in P. unifilis, were polymorphic in at least one additional chelonian species, including Peltocephalus dumeriliana.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered oyster mussel Epioblasma capsaeformis (Bivalvia: Unionidae)

Primers for 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for the endangered oyster mussel Epioblasma capsaeformis from the Clinch River, Tennessee. Microsatellite loci also were tested in four other populations or species. Amplification was successful for most loci in these closely related endangered species or populations; therefore, a high level of flanking sequence similarity was inferred for this group of species and populations. Allelic diversity ranged from nine to 20 alleles/locus, and averaged 13.6/locus. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers to amplify microsatellite loci across freshwater mussel species to conduct population genetics studies.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) and cross‐amplification in other Amsonia species

Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) is a highly endangered herbaceous perennial in the family Apocynaceae. The species is found only in the Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona. We report the isolation and development of 12 microsatellite loci for Kearney's bluestar. Numbers of alleles ranged from two to four and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 in the nine loci found to be polymorphic in the test population. All loci were also tested for cross‐amplification in five other Amsonia species representing two subgenera from the southwestern United States. Some loci that were not polymorphic in the Kearney's bluestar were polymorphic in other species.     

Cross-species testing of 27 pre-existing microsatellites in Podarcis gaigeae and Podarcis hispanica (Squamata: Lacertidae)

We tested 27 microsatellite loci for cross-species amplification in the lacertids Podarcis gaigeae and Podarcis hispanica. We detected 11 and 15 polymorphic loci in the former and the latter species, respectively. In a larger sample of individuals from a single population of each species, the number of alleles ranged from five to 23 in 10 of the polymorphic loci in P. gaigeae, and between four and 13 in nine of polymorphic loci in P. hispanica. Two locus deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in P. hispanica. Between 11 and 16 of the 27 loci also amplified successfully in three other Podarcis species.     

Isolation and characterization of macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) microsatellite loci and their utility in other penguin species (Spheniscidae, AVES)

We report the characterization of 25 microsatellite loci isolated from the macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus). Thirteen loci were arranged into four multiplex sets for future genetic studies of macaroni penguin populations. All 25 loci were tested separately in each of four other penguin species [Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica), gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)]. Between eight and 12 loci were polymorphic per species. These loci are expected to be useful for studies of population genetic structure in a range of penguin species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the newly discovered invasive fruit fly pest in Africa, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

We describe the isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the recently discovered fruit fly pest, Bactrocera invadens. The polymorphism of these loci was tested in individual flies from two natural populations (Sri Lanka and Democratic Republic of Congo). Allele number per locus ranged from three to 15 and eight loci displayed a polymorphic information content greater than 0.5. These microsatellite loci provide useful markers for studies of population dynamics and invasion history of this pest species.     

Novel microsatellite DNA loci for Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758)

We present details and characteristics of 123 novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for Bombus terrestris. Thirty-four of these loci have been tested in nine other Bombus species and 25 of them showed polymorphisms in at least one species. These microsatellite DNA loci together with the already established 60 loci will be useful for characterizing wild and managed populations of B. terrestris and other Bombus species as well as for detailed genetic studies in including mapping studies and genome annotations.     

A panel of microsatellite loci for population studies of Sakhalin taimen Parahucho perryi (Brevoort)

Using DNA samples of Sakhalin taimen and a set of microsatellite loci, earlier reported for other salmonid fishes (Salmonidae), successful cross-species amplification was performed. A total of 56 Sakhalin taimen (Parahucho perryi) samples from the Daga, Nabil, Poronai, and Agnevo rivers (Sakhalin Island) were examined at 36 microsatellite loci, most of which were described for other species and first tested in taimen. Among the 21 loci first tested in taimen, two loci produced no amplification products. The remaining 19 loci were successfully amplified (for some loci, new primers were generated). Thirteen of these loci were monomorphic, while six loci were polymorphic and used in further population genetic analysis. In addition, with the purpose of modification of the allele sizes and optimization of the research technique, new primers for the already known 12 loci of Sakhalin taimen were designed. Three more loci were included in analysis without changes. As a result, a joint panel consisting of 21 polymorphic microsatellite markers was suggested for analysis of Sakhalin taimen. This panel was tested with four population samples from the rivers of Sakhalin Island.The results showed that this panel of markers could be used in detailed population studies for evaluation of the level of genetic differentiation, inbreeding, and migrations in Sakhalin taimen, an endangered species with a fragmented range. Using this approach in further studies will make it possible to isolate basic populations, which is necessary for conservation of this rare species.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field vole,Microtus agrestis,and their cross‐utility in the common vole,Microtus arvalis

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field vole, Microtus agrestis. The number of alleles ranged from five to 15 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. We also tested the microsatellite loci for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Microtus arvalis. Five of the nine loci were successfully analysed in this species. The microsatellite markers will be employed in studies of reproductive success and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross-amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.     

Characterization of Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques) microsatellite loci and their cross-utility in other parrots (Psittacidae, Aves)

We characterized 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques). Loci were isolated from a Mauritius parakeet genomic library that had been enriched separately for eight different repeat motifs. Loci were characterized in up to 43 putatively unrelated Mauritius parakeets from a single population inhabiting the Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius. Each locus displayed between three and nine alleles, with the observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.39 and 0.96. All loci were tested in 10 other parrot species. Despite testing few individuals, between seven and 21 loci were polymorphic in each of seven species tested.     

Eighteen microsatellite loci for endemic African weakly electric fish (Campylomormyrus,Mormyridae) and their cross species applicability among related taxa

We describe isolation and characterization of the first microsatellite loci specifically developed for African weakly electric fish (Mormyridae), for the genus Campylomormyrus. Seventeen of our 18 loci are polymorphic within the Campylomormyrus numenius species complex. The polymorphic loci showed four to 15 alleles per locus, an expected heterozygosity between 0.46 and 0.94, and an observed heterozygosity between 0.31 and 1.00. Most primers also yield reproducible results in several other mormyrid species. These loci comprise a set of molecular markers for various applications, from moderately polymorphic loci suitable for population studies to highly polymorphic loci for pedigree analysis in mormyrids.     

Eight novel tetranucleotide and five cross-species dinucleotide microsatellite loci for the ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata)

We describe the cloning and characterization of eight novel tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata). We also screened 26 loci from GenBank that were isolated from other Pseudacris species and obtained consistent product from five of these dinucleotide loci. All loci are polymorphic. In our sample of 26 frogs from a natural population, polymorphism ranged from 1 to 22 alleles per locus with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0 to 0.958. These loci enable high-resolution studies of P. ornata. Moreover, cross-species amplification success suggests they will also be useful for other chorus frog species.     

Ten new microsatellite loci for the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) and their cross‐species applicability among related taxa

We describe isolation and characterization of the first microsatellite loci specifically developed for a very common European passerine bird, the yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Nine out of our 10 loci are polymorphic within the species E. citrinella. Number of alleles ranged from two to 21 per locus and observed heterozygosity between 0.20 and 0.91. Four primer pairs also yielded reproducible results in other species of Emberizidae. These loci comprise a set of molecular markers for various applications, from moderately polymorphic loci suitable for population studies to highly polymorphic loci for pedigree analysis in Emberizidae.     

Cross‐species amplification of zebrafish and central stoneroller microsatellite loci in six other cyprinids

One hundred and twenty Danio rerio and Campostoma anomalum microsatellite loci were tested for amplification in the cyprinids Phoxinus phoxinus, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Rutilus rutilus, Abramis brama, Carassius carassius and Gobio gobio . The PCR amplification products were recorded in 35 to 50 loci, depending on focal species. Eight to 28 of the amplifying loci were also polymorphic, establishing potential sets of genetic markers for population genetics studies.