Mangora passiva
(O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1889)
Mangora passiva is a of orb-weaving spider in the Araneidae. It occurs from the United States south through Central America to Nicaragua, with records also from Guatemala. As a member of the Mangora, it constructs vertical orb webs rather than the horizontal webs spun by related genera such as Leucauge.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mangora passiva: /mæŋˈɡɔːrə pəˈsɪvə/
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Identification
Mangora passiva can be distinguished from the similar-looking Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge venusta) by its web architecture: Mangora spin vertical orb webs, while Leucauge builds horizontal orb webs. Mangora spiders also differ from the Basilica Spider, which pulls its horizontal orb into a dome shape. Within the Mangora, identification to species level requires examination of detailed morphological characters not visible in field observations.
Distribution
United States to Nicaragua, including Guatemala. Records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Similar Taxa
- Leucauge venustaSimilar coloration and body form, but builds horizontal orb webs rather than vertical ones, and has green legs not typical of Mangora
- Mangora placidaCongeneric with similar vertical orb web architecture; M. placida mentioned in regional observations
- Basilica SpiderBuilds horizontal orb webs pulled into a dome shape, unlike the flat vertical orbs of Mangora