Pardosa prativaga
This record describes Pardosa prativaga (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Its mottled patterning of brown and black is similar to that of other Pardosa species and detailed examination is required to be sure of the correct identification. Confirmation of this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. P. prativaga occurs on open ground and herbage in various open habitats including grasslands, waste ground, fields, heathland, woodland clearings, dunes, old quarries and roadside verges as well as in wet places such as dyke edges, fens, marshes and bogs. The spider is adult mainly in early to mid summer. The species is widespread in the southern half of Britain, with very scattered records further north. 7079 British records for this species to 2013.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
P. prativaga occurs on open ground and herbage in various open habitats including grasslands, waste ground, fields, heathland, woodland clearings, dunes, old quarries and roadside verges as well as in wet places such as dyke edges, fens, marshes and bogs.
Seasonal Activity
The spider is adult mainly in early to mid summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in the southern half of Britain, with very scattered records further north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa prativaga. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pardosa prativaga (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardosa prativaga
What is Pardosa prativaga?
Pardosa prativaga is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pardosa prativaga found?
Habitat: P. prativaga occurs on open ground and herbage in various open habitats including grasslands, waste ground, fields, heathland, woodland clearings, dunes, old quarries and roadside verges as well as in wet places such as dyke edges, fens, marshes and bogs.
When is Pardosa prativaga active?
Pardosa prativaga: seasonal activity - The spider is adult mainly in early to mid summer..