Data and code for: A supergene controlling social structure in Alpine ants also affects the dispersal ability and fecundity of each sex

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 disp..., 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
W..., , # Dispersing Supergenes

In these files, you will find all the dataset supporting the paper \"A supergene controlling social structure in Alpine ants also affects the dispersal ability and fecundity of each sex\", and all scripts supporting the analyses.

## Description of the data and file structure

**Experiment 1:**

Data for queens: morphology_full_2022.csv

Data for queens: final_mill.csv

Data for males: MaleSize.csv

Data for males: MaleWings.csv

Script: DispersingSupergenesScript_Experiment1.Rmd

**Experiment 2:**

Data: final_mill.csv

Script: DispersingSupergenesScript_Experiment2.Rmd

**Experiment 3a:**

Data: male_fertility_data_final.csv

Script: DispersingSupergenesScript_Experiment3aSperm.Rmd

**Experiment 3b:**

Data: QueenChoiceExperiment.csv

Script: DispersingSupergenesScript_Experiment3b.Rmd

**Experiment 3c:**

Data: Mating_trials_males.csv

Script: DispersingSupergenesScript_Experiment3c.Rmd

**Experiment 4:**

Data: HibernatingQueensMated.csv

Script: DispersingSup...