Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci in the genome of the dragonhead sap beetle Thymogethes norvegicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Abstract

Here we describe 16 novel microsatellite loci in the genome of the dragonhead sap beetle Thymogethes norvegicus, which were identified using a next-generation sequencing approach. In 40 dragonhead sap beetles from a population in southern Norway, we found 2-4 alleles per locus. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.18-0.65. Three of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. After correcting for multiple tests, one pairwise locus combination displayed significant linkage disequilibrium. These novel microsatellite loci will be useful for future population structure, genetic diversity and conservation genetic studies of the dragonhead sap beetle.

Keywords

• coleoptera
• nitidulidae
• thymogethes norvegicus
• microsatellite loci
• genetic diversity