Pardosa astrigera

Pardosa astrigera is a small wolf spider with the body length ranging between 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) for females and 5–9 mm (0.20–0.35 in) for males. The cephalothorax varies from blackish-brown to yellowish-brown with a distinct median dorsal stripe running the length of the carapace. White setae are typically present on the pedicel. The sternum is blackish-brown. The abdomen varies from blackish-brown to yellowish-brown, with a subdued brownish-yellow longitudinal dorsal stripe. There is a high degree of variation in the dorsal pattern on the abdomen, however the typical presentation includes several thin lateral chevrons and 5 pairs of spots along the margins. The ventral side of the abdomen is yellowish-brown with a blackish-brown middle.

Identification. Descriptive diagnostic features with illustrations can be found in Koch 1878, Saitō 1939, and Namkung 2003. Diagnostic photographs are provided in Baba and Tanikawa 2015.

Visual Identification. Pardosa astrigera is one of the few spiders that can be identified at a glance, as these spiders have a unique longitudinal band on the median of the carapace. The band is yellowish-brown in color, rounded behind the eyes, forming a star shape around the fovea, and narrowing as it reaches the abdomen.

Pardosa astrigera have been found on plains, mountains, paddy fields, open grasslands, riverbanks, and other areas. They are often found in relatively dry regions.