ARS | Publication request: Twenty-three new microsatellite loci in the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)

Submitted to: Molecular Ecology Resources
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 16, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) is a significant pest of man and animals. Adult fly biting reduces weight gain and feed efficiency in cattle and it is a vector for certain diseases. Scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, Florida and a scientist from National Taiwan University developed 23 new microsatellite markers for stable flies. These markers will be useful for studying population genetic structure and gene flow patterns of these flies, which currently are poorly understood. These genetic studies may provide unique insights into these important issues regarding stable fly biology and can assist control efforts of these pest flies.

Technical Abstract: The stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) is a significant pest of cattle. Here, we characterized 23 microsatellite markers, 17 of which were polymorphic in two Florida populations. Two to nine alleles were observed among the variable microsatellite loci, with expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.03704 to 0.85115. These markers will be useful for characterizing population genetic differentiation and tracking the migration patterns of stable flies in the USA and worldwide.