Next-generation sequencing, isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci of Canthon cyanellus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Background We used Illumina paired-end sequencing to isolate and characterize microsatellites of Canthon cyanellus , a Neotropical roller dung beetle, encompassing several lineages within its distribution range. Methods and results We examined C. cyanellus specimens collected at eight different localities in Mexico (two or three specimens per locality). We initially performed amplification tests with 16 loci, but two of which were unsuccessful. The 14 remaining microsatellites were polymorphic, with 2–16 alleles each. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.11 to 0.76 and from 0.20 to 0.78, respectively. Conclusions These microsatellites will help to assess structure at the population and lineage levels, identify zones of potential hybridization between lineages, and draw a more precise geographic delimitation of C. cyanellus lineages.