Development and characterization of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Western Spadefoot toad, Pelobates cultripes

摘要

Nine highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for the Western Spadefoot, Pelobates cultripes. Remarkably, for this amphibian species high numbers of microsatellites were found as part of larger repeat containing regions, making primer design difficult. For nine loci, primers were designed successfully and genotyping of individuals was reliable and consistent. Number of alleles and heterozygosity for these loci ranged from 9 to 34 and from 0.72 to 0.94, respectively. The high levels of polymorphism revealed by our developed loci should provide insight into population genetic structure and levels of dispersal for this typical Mediterranean temporary pond-breeding amphibian.