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Abstract
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, exhibits a unique social structure influenced by genetic variation via a social supergene, a variant of which (Sb) is responsible for enhancing its own transmission in polygyne (multiple-queen) fire ant populations. This study expands upon the known selfish effects this supergene has on its transmission within queens by elucidating a significant underrepresentation of SB reproductive, haploid males in both pupal and adult stages, contrary to previous models which had relied on the assumption that SB and Sb males occur in equal proportions in nature. Absence of SB male execution by workers in the adult stage suggests the Sb supergene exerts selective pressures that distort haplotype frequencies during larval development. Quantification of supergene haplotype frequencies in reproductive males furthers our understanding of evolutionary forces affecting the Sb supergene in S. invicta and enables calibration of one route of inter-form gene flow.