Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for the invasive ant pest Dolichoderus thoracicus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The black cocoa ant, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith 1860), has become a major pest in Taiwan over the past decade. Although a cryptic invasion involving the coexistence of native (mtClade I) and nonnative (mtClade II) lineages within the same species has been reported, key biological features of this species, including reproductive mode, colony structure, dispersal patterns, and population dynamics, remain poorly understood, partially due to the lack of available genetic markers. Accordingly, the present study developed and characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers for D. thoracicus. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11 (average = 6). The results suggest a significant level of genetic differentiation between the mtClade I and mtClade II populations. These markers will facilitate studies on gene flow, breeding structure, and colony organization, aiding pest management efforts.