Characterization of microsatellite loci inCoenonympha hero(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Microsatellite markers are suitable tools for studying dispersal pattern among local populations. I report on the characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in the scarce heath butterfly (Coenonympha hero), from one unenriched and one enriched genomic library. Number of alleles ranged from two to 20 when 108 individuals from seven populations were screened.HOranged from 0.140 to 0.889. Primers were also tested on three other butterfly species. Amplification was successful for all loci inErebia triaria, while only one gave products inMaculinea alconandMaculinea rebeli.To my knowledge, these are the first microsatellite markers published in theNymphalidaesubfamilySatyrinae.