Eight novel microsatellite loci developed from vernal pool fairy shrimp

Abstract

We developed primer sets for eight di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi from CA, CAA, ATG, CAGA, and TAGA enriched genomic libraries. We tested primers in 74 individuals of B. lynchi from California, as well as 19 individuals from six other Branchinecta species: B. coloradensis, B. constricta, B. dissimilis, B. lindahli, B. mesovalensis, and B. oriena. The eight loci showed sufficient variability for investigations of B. lynchi evolution, population structure, and genetic diversity and may provide a new tool for assisting in delineation of management areas.