Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Lochmaea suturalis, the heather beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest in Europe and a biocontrol agent in New Zealand

Helen M Harman; Bevan S Weir; Sarah J Wells; Robyn L J Howitt

doi:10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02448.x

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Lochmaea suturalis, the heather beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest in Europe and a biocontrol agent in New Zealand

Mol Ecol Resour. 2009 Mar;9(2):594-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02448.x. Epub 2009 Jan 31.

Authors

Helen M Harman¹, Bevan S Weir, Sarah J Wells, Robyn L J Howitt

Affiliation

¹ Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170 Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

PMID: 21564701
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02448.x

Abstract

The heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis which is native to northwest Europe has been released as a biocontrol agent for heather in New Zealand. We have isolated and optimized eight microsatellite loci from New Zealand beetles. These loci provide markers with high polymorphism ranging from four to 20 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity averaged 0.631 per locus. These results suggest the markers are useful for population studies that will contribute to assessment of L. suturalis as a biocontrol agent.