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.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

7079 British records for this species to 2013.