Characterization of microsatellite markers for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii) and cross-amplification in other species of the family Scaphiopodidae

摘要

I developed 12 di- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii). These loci have 3-37 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.157 to 0.941 among 85 individuals from four populations. Global and within-population exact tests do not reveal departure from Hardy-Weinberg expectations and all loci pairs are in linkage equilibrium. These independent markers will be useful for studies of population structure and kinship in this commonly studied amphibian. Additionally, several of these loci may be applicable for studies of other North American toads of the family Scaphiopodidae.