Data from: Population-specific responses to an invasive species

Predicting the impacts of non-native species remains a challenge. As
populations of a species are genetically and phenotypically variable, the
impact of non-native species on local taxa could crucially depend on
population-specific traits and adaptations of both native and non-native
species. Bitterling fishes are brood parasites of unionid mussels and
unionid mussels produce larvae that parasitize fishes. We used common
garden experiments to measure three key elements in the bitterling–mussel
association among two populations of an invasive mussel (Anodonta
woodiana) and four populations of European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus).
The impact of the invasive mussel varied between geographically distinct
R. amarus lineages and between local populations within lineages. The
capacity of parasitic larvae of the invasive mussel to exploit R. amarus
was higher in a Danubian than in a Baltic R. amarus lineage and in
allopatric than in sympatric R. amarus populations. Maladaptive
oviposition by R. amarus into A. woodiana varied among populations, with
significant population-specific consequences for R. amarus recruitment. We
suggest that variation in coevolutionary states may predispose different
populations to divergent responses. Given that coevolutionary
relationships are ubiquitous, population-specific attributes of invasive
and native populations may play a critical role in the outcome of
invasion. We argue for a shift from a species-centred to
population-centred perspective of the impacts of invasions.