Microsatellite DNA variation in Spalacopus cyanus, a social subterranean rodent endemic to Chile (Rodentia: Octodontidae)

Abstract

We used five polymorphic microsatellite loci to examine patterns of genetic variation within and among colonies of coruros (Spalacopus cyanus) at three localities in central Chile. Detailed comparisons of genetic variation at two locations, Los Maitenes in the northern portion of the species’ range and El Alamo in the south, displayed very different patterns of variation. Overall variation (alleles per locus and heterozygosity) within and among colonies at Los Maitenes was several times higher than observed at El Alamo, with the latter showing patterns of variation more consistent with a social species of subterranean rodent. Comparisons among Los Maitenes, El Alamo, and Los Vilos, another northern population, revealed a distinct genetic subdivision between northern and southern localities, indicating little evidence of genetic exchange between these two regions. We discuss these patterns of variation in relation to previous genetic research on Spalacopus and other subterranean rodents.