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

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).