Cora M. Allard Department of Entomology S-225 Agricultural Science Building, North University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091 cmallar@uky.edu

Qualifications

2000-present M.S. student, Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

2000 B.S., Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, IL

Expertise & Research Interests

Biological Control, Behavior, Ecology; Behavioral Ecology of arachnids (especially Opiliones)

Current Research

My current research involves the biology and ecology of Phalangium opilio (Arachnida: Opiliones). This generalist predator has been found abundantly in agricultural fields in Ky, and it is a predator of several arthropod pests. Therefore, I am investigating the spatial distribution of P. opilio in commercial soybean fields, and I am establishing the vertical distribution of the different instars on soybean plants as well as the time budgets for these predators. I am also conducting experiments to establish the potential affect of different diets (composed of pest species) on the reproduction of P. opilio.

Future Research

After completion of my M.S. degree I would like to explore several aspects of behavior and functional ecology in Opiliones. I am also interested in exploring life history traits in arachnids as well as arachnid behavior in general.

Professional Experience

Teaching Assistant- General Entomology. U Ky: 2000-2002

Sr. Laboratory Technician- Lab of Dr. Kenneth V. Yeargan, U Ky: 2000-present

Teaching Assistant- Field Methods in Biology. Millikin Univ.: 1999, 2000

Memberships

Gamma Sigma Delta 2002-present

H.G. Garman Entomology Club, President 2002-2003

International Society of Arachnology 2002-present

American Arachnology Society 2001-present

Entomological Society of America 2000-present

H.G. Garman Entomology Club, Treasurer 2000-2001

Audubon Society 1996-present

Honors and Awards

First Place, M.S. Student Competition (Oral), NCB-ESA, Madison, WI 2003

First Place, Student Competition, Il. Acad. of Sciences, 92^nd Annual Mtg. 2000

John and Ula Leighty Research Award, Millikin University 2000

Community Service Award, Millikin University 1999

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Millikin University 1998

Publications & Presentations

Allard, C.M. & M.W. Robertson. 2003. Nematode and dipteran endoparasites of the wolf spider Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae). J Arachnol 31: 139-141.

Allard, C.M. & K.V. Yeargan. 2003. Effect of diet on the reproductive biology of the harvestman Phalangium opilio (Opiliones: Phalangiidae). (Presentation) 2003 NCB-ESA Annual Meeting.

Allard, C.M. & K.V. Yeargan. 2002. Diel activity patterns and spatial distribution of the harvestman Phalangium opilio (Opiliones: Phalangiidae) in soybean. (Presentation) 50^th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America.

Yeargan, K.V. & C.M. Allard. 2002. Sensitive stage for photoperiod-induced reproductive diapause in the predator Geocoris punctipes (Heteroptera: Geocoridae). (Poster) 50^th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America.

Allard, C.M. & M.W. Robertson. 2000. Courtship and male-male competition in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae). Millikin Undergraduate Poster Symposium, Millikin University, Decatur, IL. 3^rd place

Allard, C.M. & M.W. Robertson. 2000. Mating behavior and intrasexual selection in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae). 92^nd Annu. Mtg. IL.State Acad. Sci., Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. Best student paper

Allard, C.M. & M.W. Robertson. 2000. Courtship and male-male competition in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae). 24^th Annu. Mtg. American Arachnol. Soc., Lexington, KY.

Allard, C.M. & M.W. Robertson. 1999. Male-male competition in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae). Butler Undergraduate Research Symposium, Indianapolis, IN.

Research Experience

My experience is diverse. I have worked on mating behavior and intraspecific competition in spiders. I have investigated learning behavior in chickens. I have worked on a project establishing restoration methods used in a prairie wetland habitat. I also spent a short period of time looking at insect diversity in a dry deciduous rainforest and looking at the nest visitation rates of the Montezuma Oropendula in Costa Rica. Here in Kentucky, I have been involved in studies dealing with diapause induction in the big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes, predators and parasitoids of Aphis glycines, and effect of velvetleaf companion planting in sweet corn on populations densities of Coleomegilla maculata and predation rates on Heliocoverpa zea. I’m currently working on experiments involving Phalangium opilio.

Relevant Experience

Linnean Team, 2002

Debate Team, 2003

Community Outreach:

• 2000: Ag Round-up, Arboretum Halloween Walk, UK Pest Short Course display
• 2001: Night Insect Walk (Arachnid display & hike leader), Ag Round-up, FoxFest (insect booth), Science Night (LTMS), Insect booth (Unitarian Church Bizarre), Lexington Children’s Museum (insect booth and games)
• 2002: Night Insect Walk (Arachnid display & hike leader), Ag Round-up, Insect booth (Unitarian Church Bizarre), Lexington Children’s Museum (insect booth and games)
• 2003: Night Insect Walk (Arachnid display & hike leader), Ag Round-up, Lexington Children’s Museum (insect booth and games)
  **Insect Collection for Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, Lexington, KY

Other Experience

I have been a volunteer at the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, Il since 1997. During this time I have assisted in environmental education programs, habitat restoration and care & maintenance of resident raptors (educational birds).

I have also been involved in programs to educate young girls about their opportunities in science and the importance of science (Women in Science, YWCA). I have participated in many outreach programs involving environmental education and insects in Decatur, Il as well as in Kentucky.

Laboratory

I am in the lab of Dr. Kenneth V. Yeargan (http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entdept/faculty/yeargan/yeargan.htm)