Data from: Variation in sexual signals and defensive strategies elicits receiver-dependent shifts in attractiveness

Sexual selection often favors the evolution of conspicuous mating
displays. Emitting such overt displays carries the risk of interception by
eavesdropping enemies, i.e., predators, parasitoids, and parasites that
exploit communication systems to find and attack their signaling victims.
Yet, many signalers respond to variation in perceived eavesdropper risk,
protecting themselves through risk-dependent inducible defenses to
mitigate potential costs. Given that signalers are embedded in
communication networks in which they interact with other signalers, target
receivers, and multiple eavesdropping enemies, here we investigate how
variation in signaling and defensive strategies impacted by an
eavesdropping enemy (frog-biting midges; Diptera: Corethrellidae) affects
other receivers in a communication network. Ultimately, we aim to
determine if and to what extent effects that cascade throughout the
network shape relative fitness among chorusing males. Using female choice
experiments with túngara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus) and predation
experiments with eavesdropping, fringe-lipped bats (Trachops cirrhosus),
we show that variation in the call elaboration and defensive strategies of
competing males shape the relative fitness of males. Defensive strategies
targeting eavesdropping frog-biting midges indirectly shift a male’s
relative attractiveness to females and predatory bats, though the
mechanisms and impacts are context- and receiver-specific. These findings
showcase how the frequency-dependent effects of micropredation can
dynamically shape variation in secondary sexual characteristics and thus
influence the mechanisms driving sexual selection.