Phenotype-by-environment interactions influence dispersal

1. Numerous studies have demonstrated that dispersal is dependent on both disperser phenotype and the local environment. However, there is substantial variability in the observed strength and direction of phenotype- and environment-dependent dispersal. This has been hypothesized to be the result of interactive effects among the multiple phenotypic and environmental factors that influence dispersal. 2. Here, our goal was to test the hypothesis that these interactions are responsible for generating variation in dispersal behaviour. 3. We achieved these goals by conducting a large, 2-year, mark-release-recapture study of the backswimmer (Notonecta undulata) in an array of 36 semi-natural ponds. We measured the effects of multiple phenotypic (sex, body size) and environmental (population density, sex ratio) factors, on both dispersal probability and dispersal distance. 4. We found support for the hypothesis that interactive effects influence dispersal and produce variability in phenotype- ...