David L. Clark, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Biology
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1992
Dow 111
(989) 463-7058
Office Hours: MWF: 9-10; TTH 10-11
The emphasis of my research is on animal communication and the evolution of visual displays. The types of animals I study are diverse and include anole lizards, fish, turtles and spiders. A large part of my research program has focused on the dimorphic jumping spider (Maevia inclemens) where there are two distinct male types that differ dramatically in both appearance and courtship behavior. Research projects with Alma College undergraduates have examined female mate choice, reproductive success and predation risks of the two male morphs. Recent research projects have dealt with habitat light characterization and visual displays in wolf spiders; correlates of spider silk reflectance patterns and habitat irradiance spectra; and, camouflage in flower-dwelling crab spiders.
Education
- Ph.D., University of Cincinnati (1992)
- M.S., Central Michigan University (1987)
- B.S., Central Michigan University (1982)
Research Interests
Animal Behavior, Mate Choice, Spider Biology, Herpetology
Directed Student Presentations and Achievements
- Ms. Alyssa Farley, Spider Silk: age effects on courtship behavior
- Ms. Anna Springsteen, Comparison of Reflectance Patterns Between Flower-Dwelling and Ground-Dwelling Crab Spiders
- Ms. Meghan Rector , Environmental Influences of Courtship in the Wolf Spider Schizocosa ocreata
- Ms. Meghan Rector, Reflectance Measurements of the Dimorphic Male Jumping Spider, Maevia inclemens (Salticidae)
Selected Articles
- Clark, D.L. and B. Biesiadecki. "Mating success and alternative reproductive strategies of the dimorphic jumping spider, Maevia inclemens (Araneae, Salticidae)." Journal of Arachnology. 2002. 30. 511-518
- Clark, D.L. and C. Morjan. "Attracting female attention: the evolution of dimorphic courtship displays in the jumping spider, Maevia inclemens (Araneae: Salticidae)." Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B. 2001. 268. 2461-2465.
Recent Presentations
- "Crypticness and Conspicuosness in Spiders." Department of Biology. Hope College, Holland, Michigan. April 1, 2005.
- "Influences of Environmental Variation on Courtship Behavior in the Wolf Spider Schizocosa ocreata.." University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati Nature Center. April 15, 2005.
Selected External Research Grants
- David L. Clark, George W. Uetz. "Sensory Ecology of an Animal Communication Network: Environmental Complexity, Eavesdroppers and Cue-Readers." National Science Foundation. Effective: June 1, 2003.
- David L. Clark, Oren Hasson. "Evolution of courtship behavior in the jumping spider Plexippus paykuli." Binational Science Foundation. Effective: June 1, 1994.
Professional Memberships
- Michigan Academy Sciences
- American Arachnological Society
