Characterization of seven new polymorphic microsatellite loci in the brilliant-thighed poison frog Allobates femoralis (Dendrobatidae), and their cross-species utility in three other dendrobatid species.

Abstract

Here we document the development of seven novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for the brilliant-thighed poison frog Allobates femoralis (Dendrobatidae). We found between six and 27 alleles per locus in 100 individuals (50 males, 50 females) from the field site 'Saut Pararé', French Guiana, with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.79. One locus (Afem23) deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We did not find any evidence for linkage disequilibrium among the new loci, or to seven of the already described markers for A. femoralis. We also report cross-species amplification of some of the markers in three other dendrobatid species (A. talamancae, Dendrobates tinctorius and Oophaga pumilio).