Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Elliptio complanata (Mollusca: Unionidae) and cross-species amplification within the genus Elliptio

Fourteen microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the eastern elliptio ( Elliptio complanata ). The loci were screened across 24 individuals from a single population sampled in the Delaware River. All loci were found to be polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 8 to 20. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.350 to 0.900. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed in five of 14 microsatellite loci. In each case, failure to meet Hardy–Weinberg expectation was due to heterozygote deficiency. Cross-species amplification was tested using four additional Elliptio species: E. hoptenensis, E. shepardiana, E. dariensis, and E. icterina .