Detection of genetic variability in stygobitic isopods using RAPD markers

Three species of the stygobitic isopod genus Stenasellus have been described from Italy: Stenasellus racovitzai, S. nuragicus, and S. assorgiai. Recent electrophoretic data suggest the presence of more than one species in the "racovitzai"-group. In order to clarify the degree of genetic variability and the evolutionary trends in the "racovitzai"-group, we have analysed three natural populations currently known from Italy and Corsica, by the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. RAPD has proven to be a rapid and valid method for the detection of intra- and interspecific genetic polymorphism in Crustacea and to be suitable for the analysis of DNA of preserved samples. This technique was carried out to generate RAPD fingerprints from the populations of the five localities. The molecular data obtained by RAPD markers confirm previously obtained morphological and electrophoretic results.