240 



DRY AND MES0PI1YTIC FOREST COMMUNITIES 



Acrosoma gracilis (Fig. 224) (138, 172) commonly stretches its web 

 between the trunks of two small trees which stand about 4 ft. apart. 

 The center of the orb is commonly about 6 ft. above the ground; it is 

 nearly vertical. The spider usually hangs near the center. 



The Standing Dead Oak and Inhabitants 



Fig. 230. — Showing the larva, pupa, and adult of the large wood-eating beetle 

 (Passalus cornutus) ', about natural size. 



Acrosoma spinea (Fig. 225a, b, c) (138, 172) commonly places its web 

 in a nearly horizontal position on the upper side of leaves. The spider 

 clings, ventral side up, on the lower side of the web. The web is 

 usually from 1 to 3 ft. from the ground. The spider often falls to the 

 ground when disturbed. The two Acrosomae are confined to mesophytic 

 forests of the oak-hickory type. They have not been recorded north of 

 Chicago. 



