Data and code for: A supergene controlling social structure in Alpine ants also affects the dispersal ability and fecundity of each sex
Authors/Creators
- 1. Instituto de Ecología
- 2. University of Lausanne
- 3. University of Manchester
- 4. Université Libre de Bruxelles
Description
Social organisation, dispersal and fecundity co-evolve, but whether they are genetically linked remains little known. Supergenes are prime candidates for coupling adaptive traits and mediating sex-specific trade-offs. Here, we test whether a supergene that controls social structure in Formica selysi also influences dispersal-related traits and fecundity within each sex. In this ant species, single-queen colonies contain only the ancestral supergene haplotype M and produce MM queens and M males, while multi-queen colonies contain the derived haplotype P and produce MP queens, PP queens, and P males. By combining multiple experiments, we show that the M haplotype induces phenotypes with higher dispersal potential and higher fecundity, for both sexes. Specifically, MM queens, MP queens, and M males are more aerodynamic and more fecund than PP queens and P males, respectively. Differences between MP and PP queens from the same colonies reveal a direct genetic effect of the supergene on dispersal-related traits and fecundity. The derived haplotype P, associated with multi-queen colonies, produces queens and males with reduced dispersal abilities and lower fecundity. More broadly, similarities between the Formica and Solenopsis systems reveal that supergenes play a major role in linking behavioural, morphological, and physiological traits associated with intraspecific social polymorphisms.
Notes
Funding provided by: Swiss National Science Foundation
Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/00yjd3n13
Award Number: 31003A-173189
Funding provided by: Swiss National Science Foundation
Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/00yjd3n13
Award Number: 310030-207642
Funding provided by: Université Libre de Bruxelles
Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/01r9htc13
Award Number:
Methods
The Alpine silver ant, F. selysi, is a socially polymorphic species occupying riverine habitats in Alpine valleys. Colony social structure is controlled by a large (13.8 Mb long, ~745 genes) and ancient (~30-million-year-old) supergene. We collected winged queens, males, and workers of F. selysi. We genotyped the social supergene of three workers per colony, to determine colony social form. We genotyped the supergene of all queens from polygyne colonies, using DNA extracted from their wings or legs. We conducted the following experiments, comparing individuals with alternate genotypes:
Experiment one: supergene's effect on queen and male morphology
We measured the fresh weight, estimated body size (distance between eyes), wing size (length, width, perimeter, and area); and estimated wing loading (fresh weight divided by the sum of the area of her four wings) of queens, and measured the size and wings of males.
Experiment two: supergene's effect on queen flight tendencies and abilities
We evaluated the flight propensity, flight abilities, and costs of flying (weight lost) of virgin queens of all genotypes, using a custom-made mill that automatically records flying time, speed, and distance. See also:
De Gasperin, O. 2023 Queen flying in the flight mill. figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.23932791.v1
Experiment three: supergene's effect on male fecundity and mating success
a) We estimated the number of sperm cells produced by males and the number of sperm cells that males transfer to queens during their first and second mating event, respectively, using flow cytometry.
b) We compared MM queen's preference for the odour of M or P males.
c) We evaluated the mating success of virgin males in experimental mating boxes, with a ratio close to 1:1 of M:P males, competing for a limiting number of MM queens, in artificial swarms.
Experiment four: supergene's effect on queen fecundity and colony survival
We compared the survival and number of workers of 630 one-year old colonies established by queens of each supergene genotype and mated to M or P males (colonies formed by a single queen mated to a single male).
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Additional details
Related works
- Is source of
- 10.5061/dryad.f1vhhmh3m (DOI)