240 DRY AND MESOPHYTIC 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. 
a 
. ee ‘- Wn 
\b Gees 
Pe 
— 
. 
Tue STANDING DEAD OAK AND I] NHABITANTS 
FIG. 230.—Showing the larva, pupa, and adult of the large wood-eating beetle 
(Passalus cornutus); about natural size. 
Acrosoma spinea (Fig. 2254, 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. 
