Identification and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen).

Despite recognition of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), as one of the most economically important and destructive termite species in the USA, both its population and colony breeding structure genetically remain unclear. Here, we present primer sequences and initial characterization for 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. In a sample of 30 individuals, representing six geographically distinct locations collected in California, USA, three to 15 alleles were detected segregating per locus. Within a single population observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.050 to 0.866.