Data from: Genotype-by-environment interactions for cuticular hydrocarbon expression in Drosophila simulans

Genotype-by-environment interactions (G x Es) describe genetic variation
for phenotypic plasticity. Recent interest in the role of these
interactions in sexual selection has identified G x Es across a diverse
range of species and sexual traits. Additionally, theoretical work
predicts that G x Es in sexual traits could help to maintain genetic
variation, but could also disrupt the reliability of these traits as
signals of mate quality. However, empirical tests of these theoretical
predictions are scarce. We reared iso-female lines of Drosophila simulans
across two axes of environmental variation (diet and temperature) in a
fully factorial design and tested for G x Es in the expression of
cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), a multivariate sexual trait in this
species. We find sex-specific environmental, genetic and G x E effects on
CHC expression, with G x Es for diet in both male and female CHC profile
and a G x E for temperature in females. We also find some evidence for
ecological crossover in these G x Es, and by quantifying variance
components, genetic correlations and heritabilities, we show the potential
for these G x Es to help maintain genetic variation and cause sexual
signal unreliability in D. simulans CHC profiles.