Isolation of microsatellite loci in spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum)

To assess the level and spatial pattern of genetic diversity in the spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, we characterized hypervariable molecular markers by screening genomic libraries enriched for microsatellite motifs. We designed primers that reliably amplify twelve polymorphic loci and checked for variability in individuals from populations in the vicinity of Ithaca, New York. Loci show high variability in the number of alleles and heterozygosities, suggesting they will be useful for determining local population differentiation and mating systems in this pond-breeding amphibian.