Data from: Extreme sexual size dimorphism correlates with proxies of postcopulatory sexual selection across selected Dolomedes fishing spiders
Data files
Apr 14, 2026 version files 372.91 KB
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GLMM_spermatogensis.R
2.50 KB
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mcmcGLMM.R
1.97 KB
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MCMCtree.tre
6.99 KB
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README.md
1.27 KB
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TableS1_spermophor_volume.pdf
67.75 KB
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TableS2_testis_volume.pdf
130.71 KB
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TableS3_histology_specimen.pdf
58.80 KB
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TableS4_MCMCglmm_analysis_results.pdf
45.08 KB
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TableS5_GLMM_analysis_results.pdf
57.85 KB
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and mating system diversity are key factors shaping reproductive evolution, yet their relationships with post-mating sexual selection remain incompletely understood. Here, we use a comparative framework across multiple species of Dolomedes fishing spiders to examine how mating systems, sperm production strategies, and proxies of postcopulatory selection relate to SSD. We quantified testes size and spermatogenesis in three closely related species— D. tenebrosus, D. okefinokensis, and D. scriptus —that differ in mating system and SSD. Dolomedes tenebrosus, a monogynous species with extreme female-biased SSD (eSSD) and male self-sacrifice, showed evidence of termination of spermatogenesis at maturity, indicating a terminal investment strategy. Dolomedes okefinokensis exhibited a similar pattern, suggesting convergent evolution toward monogyny. In contrast, D. scriptus, with moderate SSD and a polygynous system, maintained continuous spermatogenesis, consistent with repeated mating opportunities. Expanding to 13 Dolomedes species, we found a strong positive association between eSSD, monogyny, and spermatogenesis termination, alongside increased spermophor volume in eSSD species. These findings suggest that eSSD is associated with both a terminal male reproductive strategy and intensified investment in sperm transfer structures. Together, our results highlight an integrated evolutionary link between sexual size dimorphism, mating system, and male reproductive investment across Dolomedes spiders.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.cfxpnvxn8
Description of the data and file structure
Data of histological (TableS2_testis_volume.pdf, TableS3_histology_specimen.pdf) and microCT analysis (TableS1_spermophor_volume.pdf) as well as the results (TableS4_MCMCglmm_analysis_results.pdf, TableS5_GLMM_analysis_results.pdf) and R scripts for the trait analysis (GLMM_spermatogensis.R, mcmcGLMM.R) based on the ultrametric phylogenetic tree topology (MCMCtree.tre).
Variables:
- CL: carapace length measured from the most anterior to posterior point of the prosoma
- CW: carapace width measured in the widest part of the prosoma
- extrapolated weight: estimated weight from prosoma width using a regression model for Lycosidae (see Methods section for more detail)
- rel. spermophor volume: the relative volume of the spermophor corrected by estimated body weight
- rel. Testis volume: the relative volumen of the testis corrected by estimated body weight
Code/software
The analysis was conducted in R and the trait analysis was conducted using the package "phytools" in R.
