Differentiation of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) of the Upper Midwest using PCR melt curve analysis

Abstract

Cryptic species pairs including white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus, and deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, are difficult to identify using morphological and laboratory techniques. To improve rapid and accurate determination of these species, we developed an assay reliant on differences in PCR-product melt curves (MCA). We differentiated 235 P. maniculatus gracilis and 78 P. leucopus using our assay. We compared this to morphological identification using ear length, which also provided reliable species identification. We find that MCA accurately differentiates these species and provides more reliable identifications than certain morphological measures, therefore making our approach ideal for identification of these species.