Identification and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen)

Despite recognition of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), as one of the most economically important and destructive termite species in the USA, both its population and colony breeding structure genetically remain unclear. Here, we present primer sequences and initial characterization for 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. In a sample of 30 individuals, representing six geographically distinct locations collected in California, USA, three to 15 alleles were detected segregating per locus. Within a single population observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.050 to 0.866.     

Identification and characterization of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the German cockroach,Blattella germanica

Primer sequences and initial characterization are presented for 10 microsatellite loci isolated from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. In a sample of 30 individuals from a single population sample, all loci were polymorphic with two to 12 alleles segregating per locus and levels of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.27 to 0.92. One locus showed a deficit of heterozygotes. Experimental conditions are described for polymerase chain reaction multiplexing, which enables the genotyping of eight loci in three electrophoretic runs consisting of one set of three and two sets of two markers. Seven primer sets cross‐amplify in the related Blattella asahinai.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci in the Korean goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus)

Microsatellites have been applied in a variety of fields, including conservation genetics. Species‐specific microsatellites are considered as more powerful genetic markers to generate an accurate genetic composition of a species itself. Accordingly, we characterized 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Korean goral, Nemorhaedus caudatus, one of the most endangered species in South Korea. The new markers should benefit future studies of the endangered species of other Asian gorals and their relatives for the study of genetic diversity and potential conservation management.     

Isolation of polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the highly endangered Baw Baw frog (Philoria frosti)

We isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Baw Baw frog, Philoria frosti, from a genomic library enriched for (AAC)(n) and (AAAG)(n) repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranges from two to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.96.     

Characterization of microsatellite DNA loci for the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

Polymerase chain reaction primers for microsatellite DNA loci (one dinucleotide, four tetranucleotide and two compound) and the conditions necessary to amplify each are described for the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). These primers were tested on 22 or more individuals from a population at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. These microsatellite primers yielded a high allelic diversity (6–22 alleles/locus), and moderate to high observed heterozygosities (0.318–0.826). Primers developed for the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) were also tested for use on G. volans, with only two successful cross amplifications from the seven loci.     

Isolation of additional polymorphic tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama)

We isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the giant Australian cuttlefish, Sepia apama, from a genomic library enriched for (AAC)_n and (AAAG)_n repetitive elements. In the nine loci that reliably amplified, the number of alleles ranged from four to 12 per locus with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.343 to 0.926. These and a previously developed set of six loci will be useful for analysis of genetic structure of populations and determining input to a massive seasonal breeding aggregation in northern Spencer Gulf, Australia.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus)

Tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) are a highly accessible species useful in testing theories of life-history evolution and behavioural ecology. A polymerase chain reaction-based method was used to isolate nine polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the genome of these lizards. The isolated loci displayed 5 to 9 alleles in the populations screened. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.333 to 0.900. Results indicate these loci now provide a basis to study mate choice, parentage, and population genetic structure within this species.     

Tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci from the dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus)

We describe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and conditions to amplify one dinucleotide and eight tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus). The PCR primers were tested on 20 or more individuals from five populations. The dollar sunfish microsatellite primers developed yielded a high number of alleles (4 to 14 per locus), and high observed heterozygosities (0.500–0.857).     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Fire salamander Salamandra salamandra (Amphibia: Caudata)

Ten tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci were cloned and characterized for the Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) from 34 populations in Germany. A high genetic diversity (5–22 alleles per locus) and heterozygosity (40.6–95.2%) were observed for these markers. Chord distances for population comparisons of the western evolutionary recolonization lineage in the area near Cologne ranged from 0.139 to 0.366, whereas population comparisons between the western and eastern lineage ranged from 0.541 to 0.670. When compared with classical isolation methods, a sufficient number of polymorphic microsatellites can be obtained for the Fire salamander only from specially enriched sublibraries.     

Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the brown anole (Anolis sagrei)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for the brown anole, Anolis sagrei. The number of alleles range from five to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.46 to 0.92. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and reproductive behaviour.     

Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for the common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus)

Details of six highly polymorphic dinucleotide and one highly polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers are provided for Pagellus erythrinus. These markers are highly polymorphic, with an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.713 to 0.959 and allele numbers ranging from seven to 36. These microsatellite markers should help determine population genetic structure and fisheries stocks for management purposes.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi)

New statistical techniques and software have improved our ability to quantify fine-scale population structure. We isolated 11 microsatellite markers for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi) and surveyed the variability of each using 115-136 individuals from one population in southwestern Ontario. We determined that all loci were variable and conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations and that no locus demonstrated linkage disequilibrium. We are using these markers to quantify the scale of gene flow, and to assess the effect of variable landscapes on connectivity and genetic diversity of three disjunct regional populations in the northern portion of the species' range.     

Isolation and characterization of swift fox tetranucleotide microsatellite loci

Primers have been developed for nine polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the swift fox (Vulpes velox). These can be amplified in three multiplex reactions and all loci can be scored easily and without ambiguity. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 14 and the overall heterozygosities ranged from 0.54 to 1.00. All loci were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, but two loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These loci will be used to monitor endangered swift fox populations on the Canadian prairies.     

Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the little greenbul (Andropadus virens)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for the little greenbul, Andropadus virens. The number of alleles range from two to 15 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.15 to 0.92. Eight sets of primers also amplify in closely related species, Andropadus laterostris and Andropadus tephrolaemus. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola)

We report on the isolation of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola). In the two populations sampled, loci exhibited two to 21 alleles and observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.222 to 1.000. All loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations, and none exhibited linkage disequilibrium. Although A. monticola is an important subsistence fishery in parts of its range, little is known about its ecology and many populations appear to be experiencing declines. These microsatellite loci should prove useful in the study of population structure of A. monticola and aid in other potential conservation efforts such as the management of hatchery broodstock.     

Isolation and characterization of 11 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon)

We report the isolation of 11 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon). In a sample of 27 individuals, we observed between 4 and 7 alleles per locus and their observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.37 to 0.85 and from 0.44 to 0.79, respectively. All genotypic frequencies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations and there were no instances of linkage disequilibrium detected between pairs of loci.     

Resource polymorphism in a Patagonian fish Percichthys trucha (Percichthyidae): phenotypic evidence for interlake pattern variation

Within-species differentiation in phenotypic characters related to resource use (resource polymorphism) is frequently thought to result from divergent natural selection in a heterogeneous environment with 'open niches'. In this study we found consistent resource-based polymorphism within three different populations of Percichthys trucha , a lake-dwelling fish native to the southern Andes. In each of three lakes we found two morphotypes that could be clearly distinguished by differences in gill raker length. However, the magnitude of the polymorphism, and the suite of phenotypic characteristics associated with the polymorphism, differed between lakes. Patterns of divergence were more similar between the two northern lakes which ultimately drain into a common river, than between these two lakes and a more southern, unconnected lake. The southern population, which had the largest divergence in gill raker length (32% vs. 16% and 19%), also showed substantial differences in diet. Evidence from the southern population suggests that polymorphism in P. trucha is present early during ontogeny. We conclude that while there are some strong parallels among lakes in the development of a trophic polymorphism, differences in environmental ­conditions and/or colonization history have led to substantial differences in the evolutionary history, resulting in ­different ecological roles of common morphotypes within different lakes.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London . Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 78 , 497–515.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the beaver (Castor canadensis)

We have isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the beaver (Castor canadensis). Sixty individuals from southern and central Illinois were screened at each locus. All loci exhibited moderate levels of polymorphism, ranging from five to 13 alleles per locus with average heterozygosity ranging from 0.317 to 0.867. Locus Cca5 deviated significantly from HWE (P < 0.001). The locus pair Cca4/Cca5 was shown to be in linkage disequilibrium in southern Illinois, but not in the central Illinois population. The remaining eight loci will be useful in investigations of mating and kinship patterns in beaver populations in Illinois.     

Isolation and characterization of variable microsatellite loci in Lilium philadelphicum (Liliaceae)

Here we describe the characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci for Lilium philadelphicum (Liliaceae). Polymorphism levels ranged from 7 to 30 alleles per locus with a mean number of 15 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity (H_O) ranged from 0.17 to 0.82 and did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg expectations in the three western Montana populations included in the analysis. These loci are proving useful in studying gene flow between populations of this species distributed across its range in North America.     

Development of microsatellite DNA loci from the wood stork (Aves,Ciconiidae, Mycteria americana)

We isolated 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci for wood stork (Mycteria americana). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and conditions are described for the amplification of five dinucleotide, one trinucleotide and five tetranucleotide microsatellite loci. The PCR primers were tested on two wood stork populations, Fazenda Ipiranga, Mato Grosso, Brazil (n = 11) and Tamiami West, Everglades, Florida, USA (n = 20). The primers yielded two to four alleles per locus, an observed heterozygosity of 0.0–0.727 and a polymorphic information content of 0.048–0.604. The low level of polymorphism for these markers is consistent with previous studies of this species.