Data from: The influence of potential stressors on oviposition site selection and subsequent growth, survival and emergence of the non-biting midge (Chironomus tepperi)

Theory predicts that animals should prefer habitats where their fitness is
maximized but some mistakenly select habitats where their fitness is
compromised, that is, ecological traps. Understanding why this happens
requires knowledge of the habitat selection cues animals use, the habitats
they prefer and why, and the fitness costs of habitat selection decisions.
We conducted experiments with a freshwater insect, the non‐biting midge
Chironomus tepperi to ask: (a) whether females respond to potential
oviposition cues, (b) to explore whether oviposition is adaptive in
relation to metal pollution and conductivity, and (c) whether individuals
raised in poor quality sites are more likely to breed in similarly poor
locations. We found the following: (a) females responded to some cues,
especially conductivity and conspecifics, (b) females preferred sites with
higher concentrations of bioavailable metals but suffered no consequences
to egg/larval survival, (c) females showed some avoidance of high
conductivities, but they still laid eggs resulting in reduced egg
hatching, larval survival, and adult emergence, and (d) preferences were
independent of natal environment. Our results show that C. tepperi is
susceptible to ecological traps, depending on life stage and the relative
differences in conductivities among potential oviposition sites. Our
results highlight that (a) the fitness outcomes of habitat selection need
to be assessed across the life cycle and (b) the relative differences in
preference/suitability of habitats need to be considered in ecological
trap research. This information can help determine why habitat preferences
and their fitness consequences differ among species, which is critical for
determining which species are susceptible to ecological traps.