Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for the common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris L.)

We developed and characterized 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from an SSR-enriched genomic DNA library of the common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris L). Characterization of these loci using 32 individuals revealed high levels of genetic diversity, five to 18 alleles per locus and a high observed and expected heterozygosity. These loci will be used for paternity analysis and population genetic studies of the co-evolution between L. terrestris and its parasites.