Development of thirty-four new microsatellite loci and multiplexing of seven existing loci for Zootoca vivipara (Squamata: Lacertidae)

Abstract

Few microsatellite loci exist for the European common lizard, Zootoca vivipara, a common model species in studies of population dynamics, sexual selection, population genetics, parity evolution, and physiology. The existing primers did not amplify in all lineages, and multiplexes were not optimized. A total of 34 new polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for this species and tested in 64 specimens belonging to oviparous and viviparous clades (B and D). The microsatellites were combined into seven different multiplexes. Results showed that all but one loci successfully amplified in all samples and both clades. The number of alleles detected per locus ranged 7–22 alleles and the effective number 1.58–7.82. The observed heterozygosity ranged 0.312–0.930, showing that all loci were highly variable. Oviparous and viviparous clades exhibited significant genetic differences (in FST). In addition to these new markers, the seven previously published and widely used microsatellite loci have been multiplexed and tested in oviparous clades. These innovations will allow for timesaving and robust analyses in Zootoca vivipara, boosting evolutionary and population studies and easing paternity analyses