The aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum is suspected to form distinct, host-associated lineages and exhibits poorly understood variation in reproductive mode including thelytokous and arrhenotokous populations. As a tool to study these issues, we developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles ranged from two to 35, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.01 to 0.64. Cross-species amplification tests demonstrated their utility for several congeners, but revealed very limited applicability to more distantly related species. The aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum is suspected to form distinct, host-associated 2 lineages and exhibits poorly understood variation in reproductive mode including 3 thelytokous and arrhenotokous populations. As a tool to study these issues, we developed 4 eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles ranged from 5 2 to 35, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.01 to 0.64. Cross-species 6 amplification tests demonstrated their utility for several congeners, but revealed very 7 limited applicability to more distantly related species. 8 9 10

Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), using an enriched genomic library. Characterization of loci using 90 kakapo revealed an average of 3.3 alleles per locus (range: 2-5) and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.47 (range: 0.17-0.70). The probability of identity (7.2 × 10(-15) ) and probability of exclusion (0.999999) demonstrate that these loci are a highly informative marker set that can aid the genetic management of the kakapo.

Eight newly developed polymorphic microsatellite markers are presented for Abies guatemalensis Rehder, an endangered tree endemic to Mexico and Central America. These microsatellite markers are useful for evaluating the population genetics of the species which is threatened by greenery poaching in natural populations. Novel conservation plans are needed to secure a more sustainable use strategy and to preserve the genetic diversity of the species.

Six novel polymorphic microsatellite loci are presented for the grass snake (Natrix natrix), a species with declining populations in many regions. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven. Four dice snake (Natrix tessellata) microsatellites were polymorphic in the grass snake with three to four alleles. At two loci, the expected heterozygosity differed significantly from observed heterozygosity. Cross-amplification of the grass snake markers in the dice snake showed two polymorphic microsatellites with two and four alleles.

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for the northern pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora) and tested for cross-amplification in seven other species within the Thaumetopoea family. Number of alleles ranged from two to 10 when at least 28 individuals from one population were screened and one locus, Thapin06, appears to be sex linked. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.094 to 0.856 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.097 to 0.806. Amplification success varied between sister species, with two up to seven loci being successfully amplified. The described loci will be valuable for studying the population genetic structure and dispersal behaviour of this forest pest.