Data from: Spatial structure imposes sex-specific costs but does not reduce interlocus sexual conflict

Spatial structure is a common feature of all naturally occurring
populations. Theoretically, spatial structuring of a habitat could
modulate the intensity of interlocus sexual conflict (ISC) in a
population, possibly by modulating intersexual encounter rate. We tested
this theory using laboratory populations of Drosophila melanogaster by
measuring male-induced decline in female fitness in three-patch habitat
systems with two alternative habitat types: structured–interconnected and
unstructured. Our results on reproductive and survival costs in females
suggested significant costs attributable to male presence (i.e. ISC) and
to living on structured habitat. However, there was only weak evidence
supporting the theory of modulation of ISC by habitat structuring only.
Through a follow-up experiment, we also showed that the effect of habitat
on ISC is robust to the alteration of female conditions. Therefore, it
appears that spatial structuring per se is unlikely to modulate ISC but
can impose additional survival costs. We also showed that this survival
cost could be sex specific, possibly reflecting female-biased spontaneous
dispersal.